Saima Wazed, Regional Director for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asia Region, has resigned from her position while facing investigations by both Bangladesh authorities and the WHO over allegations of fraud, financial misconduct, and misrepresentation of academic credentials.

According to reports, Wazed submitted her resignation on Wednesday. Her departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding allegations that include financial irregularities related to official travel, disputed academic qualifications, and questions regarding the acquisition of a land plot in Bangladesh.

Wazed, the daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, assumed the WHO regional director role in early 2024 for a five-year term. However, she was placed on unpaid administrative leave late last year as investigations intensified.

Reports indicate that WHO investigators examined claims involving alleged financial irregularities connected to a trip to China and accusations that she provided misleading information regarding her educational qualifications. Wazed has denied all allegations.

In her resignation letter addressed to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Wazed reportedly argued that she legally obtained ownership of the disputed land before joining the WHO and that her ownership complied with laws applicable to members of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family.

She stated that she had accepted the regional director position to serve the countries of South-East Asia and had carried out her responsibilities with dedication. However, she claimed she faced continuous obstacles that prevented her from performing her duties effectively.

Wazed also said that being placed on unpaid leave for nearly a year had created severe financial difficulties and eroded her trust in the organization’s leadership.

Sources previously told international media that the WHO was considering formally removing Wazed from the position. According to those reports, nominations for a new regional director could open on October 12, with an election potentially scheduled for January 24, 2027.

The WHO South-East Asia Region includes Bangladesh, India, and several neighboring countries. The regional director plays a critical role in coordinating responses to disease outbreaks, public health emergencies, and implementation of WHO policies across the region.

Responding to allegations of travel-related fraud, Wazed maintained that the issue stemmed from an administrative mistake by an assistant involving a reimbursement claim of $901.

Regarding questions over her academic credentials, she said she received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her work on autism in Bangladesh and had clearly communicated the nature of that qualification to WHO leadership.

Neither Wazed nor the WHO provided additional comments following the resignation announcement.