WHO Southeast Asia director steps down amid fraud and credential accusations

Wazed, who began a five-year term as WHO Southeast Asia regional director in early 2024, was placed on unpaid administrative leave after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission filed fraud and forgery charges in March 2025. The WHO alleged she committed financial fraud related to a trip to China and misrepresented her academic qualifications. In a resignation letter addressed to Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, she said the continued restrictions prevented her from performing her duties, eroding her confidence in WHO leadership and creating financial hardship.

She also denied the travel fraud, attributing a $901 reimbursement issue to an administrative error, and clarified that her honorary doctorate was disclosed. Additionally, the WHO claimed she illegally obtained a Bangladeshi land parcel, which she contends was lawful under a statute benefiting families of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Sources indicate the WHO plans to nominate a successor in October, vet candidates in December, and hold elections in January.