WHO's Saima Wazed Putul 'placed on indefinite leave' amid corruption allegations: Health Policy Watch
Putul allegedly provided false information regarding her academic qualifications during the nomination process, violating Sections 468 and 471 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which deal with forgery and the use of forged documents
Saima Wazed Putul, the regional director of the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), has been placed on indefinite leave from yesterday (11 July), months after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed cases accusing her of fraud, forgery, and abuse of power.
According to a report by Health Policy Watch, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus informed staff via a short internal email that Putul would be on leave effective immediately.
He added that Dr Catharina Boehme, WHO assistant director-general, would take over as Officer in Charge of SEARO and is expected to arrive at the regional office in New Delhi on Tuesday (15 July).
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The charges against Putul, who is the daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, relate to her controversial election as regional director. She assumed office in January 2024, but her candidacy was marred by allegations that her mother, then in power, used undue influence to help secure her victory.
The ACC formally launched its investigation in January and filed two cases against her in March.
According to ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam, Putul allegedly provided false information regarding her academic qualifications during the nomination process, violating Sections 468 and 471 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which deal with forgery and the use of forged documents.
She is also accused of misrepresenting her professional affiliations, including falsely claiming an honorary role at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, an assertion the university has denied.
The misrepresentation was allegedly intended to boost her eligibility for the top WHO post.
Additionally, the ACC alleges that Putul abused her power and influence to collect approximately $2.8 million from various banks in the name of the Shuchona Foundation, which she formerly led. While the use of the funds remains unclear, the charges also cite Section 420 of the penal code for cheating and Section 5(2) of the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act for misuse of power.
Since the charges were filed, Putul has been unable to travel within the SEARO region, as she faces the risk of arrest if she returns to Bangladesh.
WHO has not issued any public comment on the allegations or her future at the organisation.
