The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has raised questions about whether Saima Wazed Putul, accused in a criminal case, can hold the position of Regional Director for the Southeast Asia Region at the World Health Organization (WHO). The ACC reportedly plans to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing to determine if legal action against her is possible.

Sources reveal that Putul, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is being scrutinized to evaluate the extent of WHO’s relationship with government protocols. The possibility of the government taking action against an individual accused in a criminal case while serving in an international organization is under review. A senior ACC official noted that typically, when a government employee is accused in an ACC case, the commission sends a letter recommending action to the relevant ministry. Although Putul is not a government official, the ACC wants to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about her status as an accused.

Putul’s involvement with WHO raises questions about whether the government can recommend punitive measures against her to the organization. This requires legal evaluation.

On January 12, the ACC filed a case against Putul as the principal accused, alongside 16 others, including Sheikh Hasina as a co-accused. The charges involve misuse of power to allocate a 10-katha plot in the Rajuk Purbachal New Town Project in violation of regulations. The case alleges that under Sheikh Hasina’s instructions, officials from the Housing and Public Works Ministry and Rajuk were influenced to allocate the plot to Putul. The allocation reportedly bypassed Rule-9, treating the plot as a special favor obtained through fraudulent means, constituting punishable offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act.