Saima Wazed was Canadian citizen when nominated for WHO post: ACC
Preliminary findings suggest that Saima was accompanied on multiple state trips without justification and that the qualifications presented for her appointment were not appropriate
Highlights:
- Saima Wazed took multiple state trips without justification
- Excessive funds were spent on the 76th WHO conference in Delhi
- Saima allegedly acquired a 10-katha plot in Purbachal through corruption, influence
- Her "Suchona Foundation" is under investigation for extortion, embezzlement
- She allegedly misused the Autism Cell to embezzle funds
- She unlawfully secured tax exemptions for the foundation
- ACC fears her WHO appointment could damage Bangladesh's reputation
Saima Wazed, the daughter of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was a Canadian citizen at the time when she was nominated by Bangladesh as the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for South-East Asia, according to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md Akhtarul Islam shared this information in a statement today (26 January).
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According to the statement, the ACC launched an inquiry based on allegations that state resources had been misused and irregular activities had taken place to support the appointment of Saima Wazed, also known as Putul.
Preliminary findings suggest that Saima was accompanied on multiple state trips without justification and that the qualifications presented for her appointment were not appropriate.
Furthermore, the inquiry showed that at the time of her nomination, Saima was a Canadian citizen and held a Canadian passport.
The statement also highlighted the misuse of state funds during the 76th WHO conference, which took place in Delhi from 30 October 2023 to 2 November 2023.
More than a hundred Bangladeshi officials and representatives attended the conference, with substantial state funds reportedly being wasted.
Saima Wazed, through the influence of her family and the abuse of state power, has allegedly caused significant financial harm to the Government of Bangladesh, the ACC said.
In addition, the ACC's investigation uncovered that Saima Wazed unlawfully acquired a 10-katha plot in the diplomatic zone of the "Purbachal New Town Project" in Dhaka. This acquisition was reportedly facilitated through corruption and the misuse of her family's political influence. A corruption case has already been filed against her and others involved.
Further allegations have emerged regarding Saima Wazed's establishment of an organisation called "Suchona Foundation." It is claimed that she extorted gifts and embezzled money from social and business institutions.
She is also under investigation for allegedly creating fake projects using the Autism Cell under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to embezzle state funds.
Additionally, the ACC alleges that she used her influence to unlawfully secure tax exemptions on funds received by the foundation, causing financial damage to the government.
The ACC has stated that there are credible allegations of corruption against Wazed and expressed concerns about the negative impact her appointment to the prestigious WHO position could have on Bangladesh's global reputation.
