Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of ousted dictator Sheikh Hasina, is under investigation by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegations of securing a position at the World Health Organization (WHO) while falsely presenting herself as a Bangladeshi national, despite holding Canadian citizenship.

According to the ACC, Putul did not relinquish her Canadian citizenship before assuming the role of Regional Director for the WHO’s Southeast Asia office, violating established regulations.

The investigation claims that she used her family's political influence to secure the position and misused state resources in the process.

Additionally, the ACC accuses her of being improperly included as a companion on multiple state visits without legitimate justification, resulting in the misuse of public funds.

At the 76th WHO conference held in Delhi from October 30 to November 2, 2023, more than 100 Bangladeshi officials and representatives attended, allegedly squandering state funds, according to the ACC's findings.

The commission asserts that Putul’s influence, fueled by her family’s political power, led to significant financial losses for the government.

The ACC investigation further revealed that Putul illegally acquired a 10-katha plot in Dhaka's Purbachal New Town Diplomatic Zone through corrupt practices and the abuse of her family's political connections.

A case has been filed against her regarding this matter.

In addition to these allegations, Putul is accused of founding the Shuchona Foundation, which the ACC claims she used to solicit gifts and funds from businesses and social organizations under duress.

These funds were reportedly embezzled, with Putul also allegedly exploiting the Autism Cell under the Ministry of Health to create fake projects and divert substantial state resources into her own hands.

The investigation also points to her use of National Board of Revenue officials to help exempt the foundation's funds from taxation.

The ACC's statement concludes that having an individual with credible corruption allegations hold a prestigious position at the WHO on behalf of Bangladesh is severely damaging to the country's international reputation.

The commission warns that this could tarnish Bangladesh’s image on the global stage, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the country's credibility and standing.

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