The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has expressed concern that Saima Wazed Putul’s role in a prestigious position at the World Health Organization (WHO) is damaging to the country’s reputation. In a statement issued by ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md. Akhtarul Islam, it was alleged that irregularities and misuse of state resources facilitated her appointment as the WHO’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, based on Bangladesh’s nomination.

The ACC investigation revealed that state resources were exploited, and procedural violations occurred during her nomination process. Allegations include her inclusion in state visits without justification, questionable qualifications, and holding Canadian citizenship during the nomination period. The statement further highlighted financial irregularities during the WHO’s 76th conference in October-November 2023, where over a hundred Bangladeshi officials and representatives attended in Delhi at state expense, allegedly influenced by Saima’s familial political connections.

Additionally, the ACC’s inquiry into other complaints revealed that Saima unlawfully acquired a 10-katha plot in Dhaka’s Purbachal Diplomatic Zone through misuse of power and filed a case against her for corruption. She also allegedly exploited the Autism Cell under the Ministry of Health to misappropriate funds via fake projects, coercively obtained gifts through her organization, Suchona Foundation, and secured tax exemptions on its income by improperly influencing the National Board of Revenue (NBR), causing significant losses to the state treasury.

The ACC concluded that credible allegations of corruption exist against Saima Wazed Putul, and her holding a prestigious WHO position under such circumstances tarnishes Bangladesh’s global reputation and risks further damage to the country’s image.