The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Saima Wazed, its regional director for Southeast Asia and daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on indefinite leave due to emerging corruption allegations.

According to reports from Health Policy Watch, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom informed staff of Wazed’s leave in an email dated July 11. WHO’s Assistant Director-General, Dr. Katharina Boehme, will temporarily take over her responsibilities at the Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO).

Earlier this year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh initiated a case against Wazed, questioning the validity of her educational credentials submitted for her senior role at WHO. The ACC also alleges that Wazed leveraged her mother’s influence to secure her position.

Wazed has claimed an honorary role at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, but the university has denied this assertion.

Moreover, the ACC has accused Wazed of engaging in extensive corruption during her mother’s administration, alleging that she illicitly acquired around $2.8 million from various banks by exploiting her authority and connections.

These funds were reportedly transferred through the “Suchona Foundation,” which she previously led.