ACC finds 'no existence' of Saima Wazed's Shuchona Foundation at listed address

Highlights

• The foundation is facing allegations of forcing donations from social and business entities
• Suspected misuse of public funds through fraudulent projects
• Potential abuse of the "autistic cell" under the health ministry
• Allegedly influenced the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to grant illegal tax benefits
• Reports of individuals being pressured into making financial contributions

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said it has not found any existence of the Shuchona Foundation -- founded by Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina -- at its listed address.

After conducting a raid at the listed Dhanmondi address of the foundation, ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed that the team found no evidence of the foundation's existence at the given location.

The anti-graft body, investigating allegations of financial irregularities, was provided the address by both the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Department of Social Services this morning (29 January).

According to ACC sources, the agency is investigating allegations that Shuchona Foundation coerced donations from various social and business entities, embezzled significant amounts of public money through fraudulent projects, potentially exploiting the "autistic cell" under the health ministry, and illegally influenced the NBR to grant tax exemptions and pressured individuals into making donations.

Saima Wazed was Canadian citizen when nominated for WHO post: ACC

The operation, led by an ACC assistant director, aimed to gather evidence related to these allegations.

Shuchona Foundation is registered at the address of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's residence, Sudha Sadan, on Dhanmondi Road 5. Sudha Sadan has been locked since 5 August.

The building that housed the foundation's office was vandalised and torched after Sheikh Hasina fled the country in face of a mass uprising on 5 August.

ACC Assistant Director Naushad Ali told TBS, "We visited Sudha Sadan in Dhanmondi, but we couldn't find any existance of Shuchona Foundation operating from that address, as per the information provided in the tax file. I cannot confirm whether the foundation existed there previously. The commission will determine the next course of action."

Earlier on 21 November last year, the bank accounts of Shuchona Foundation were frozen for suspicious transactions.

Saima Wazed Putul, Dr Muzharul Mannan, and Zain Bari Rizvi serve as trustees of the Shuchona Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with mental disabilities, neurological disorders, autism, and mental health challenges.

Shuchona Foundation was established in 2014.

According to a 2023 Benar News report, Saima Wazed's mother, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, secured approximately $1 million for Shuchona Foundation through charitable donations from local financial institutions, including private banks.

Saima Wazed's appointment as WHO Southeast Asia regional director faced criticism over alleged nepotism. Critics argued she lacked the qualifications compared to other candidates, and her appointment was politically influenced.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Saima Wazed was a Canadian citizen at the time when she was nominated by Bangladesh as the WHO regional director for South-East Asia.

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.

A report by The Lancet raises question about whether Saima Wazed many have breached WHO's ethical standards.

Under Rule 49 of the Rules of Procedure of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, regional director candidates should have a strong technical and public health background, extensive experience in global health, and historical evidence of public health leadership. 

The Lancet report noted that Saima has an MSc in clinical psychology, but no other formal medical or public health academic qualifications. She received an honorary doctorate from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Bangladesh in 2023. Her experience in global health is limited to work on autism and mental health, including advisory roles with WHO and Chatham House. 

Her competitor for the position, Nepal's Shambhu Prasad Acharya, has more than 30 years of experience at WHO and a doctorate in public health. 

An article in the UK's Financial Times (FT) newspaper also quotes experts' criticism of the nomination.

The Financial Times cited a senior health policy expert in Bangladesh who criticized Saima Wazed's nomination, stating it reflected the politicization of the country's health sector.

"She came from a political family and her mother is prime minister [...] Every single work that she does is highlighted [by the government]," the expert told Financial Times.