Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—who was ousted in a mass uprising—has officially resigned from her position as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia following allegations of financial irregularities and falsification of academic credentials.

International news agency Reuters confirmed that she submitted her resignation letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday, September 9.

Elected by member states in November 2023, Wazed assumed a five-year term as WHO South-East Asia Regional Director in early 2024.

Following the collapse of the Awami League government in the mass uprising, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh launched investigations against Sheikh Hasina and her family members as part of a corruption probe, leading the WHO to place Wazed on unpaid administrative leave late last year.

She was first sent on leave in July 2025. During the tenure of the interim government formed after Hasina's ouster, the ACC filed charges of fraud and forgery against her in March of that year.

According to a July 3, 2026 letter obtained by Reuters, the WHO accused Wazed of financial fraud during a visit to China and of misrepresenting her educational qualifications. Wazed has denied these allegations.

In her resignation letter, Wazed stated, "Since you have continued to prevent me from effectively carrying out my duties, I have lost all trust and confidence in the leadership of the WHO."

She added that her financial situation had become untenable after going nearly a year without pay following her suspension on unpaid leave.

Agency sources indicate that formal proceedings to remove Wazed from office were underway.

A new nomination for the post is expected to be announced on October 12, with voting for the new regional director likely to take place on January 24 following vetting and evaluation.