EXCLUSIVE: Hasina's daughter resigns as WHO regional head after fraud allegations - Reuters

Saima Wazed, the daughter of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has resigned from her position as the World Health Organization's regional director for Southeast Asia. Her resignation, which took place on Wednesday, follows allegations of fraud and subsequent investigations.

The decision to step down comes amid fraud investigations conducted by both the United Nations agency and authorities in Bangladesh. Wazed has denied all allegations of fraud brought against her.

Wazed initially assumed the role of Southeast Asia regional director in early 2024, embarking on what was intended to be a five-year term. However, her tenure was disrupted when she was placed on unpaid administrative leave prior to her resignation.

Reports contain differing details regarding the exact timeline of her administrative leave. While one account states that the World Health Organization placed Wazed on unpaid administrative leave late last year, another indicates that she had been on unpaid leave since 2025.

Wazed is prominent as the daughter of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh who was recently ousted from power. The investigations by Bangladeshi authorities coincide with the political transition in her home country following her mother's removal from office.