January 21, 2025
DHAKA – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing to send a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) requesting the removal of Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, from her position as regional director of the WHO Southeast Asia Region.
Multiple senior ACC officials confirmed to The Daily Star that the letter will be dispatched today through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The letter claimed that Putul’s credentials were fabricated and purely formal.
The letter further accused Hasina of using state resources to benefit her daughter, citing instances such as state-funded trips, including to the 2023 G-20 summit in India and the 76th WHO conference in Delhi.
These actions allegedly led to significant financial losses for the Bangladesh government and harmed the nation’s international reputation.
Additionally, Putul is accused of criminal activities, including the illegal acquisition of a 10-katha plot in Purbachal Newtown’s diplomatic zone.
The ACC has filed a case against her concerning over the matter.
The letter also alleged that she used the ‘Suchona Foundation’ to extort funds from various organisations and improperly influenced the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to secure tax exemptions, further exacerbating financial losses to the government.
Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Putul is accused of misappropriating funds through fraudulent projects linked to the Autism Cell, diverting public funds for personal gain.
The ACC’s letter concluded by asserting that these credible allegations of corruption make it inappropriate for Putul to hold a prestigious position at the WHO, as it could damage Bangladesh’s international standing.
In response, Akhtar Hossain, director general of the ACC, told The Daily Star, “Our investigation into Saima Wazed Putul is ongoing. The investigating team operates independently and has full authority to take necessary actions based on the findings.”