ACC makes moves to bring Saima Wazed Putul back to Bangladesh amid corruption claims

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is taking steps to bring Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia, back to Bangladesh.

On Sunday, January 26, Akhtar Hossain, the Director-General of the ACC, shared this update, confirming that the investigation team is working on the matter. He said,

“The ACC investigation team is working to determine whether Saima Wazed Putul can be brought back to Bangladesh.”

In an official statement, the ACC revealed that they have found evidence of misconduct and corruption tied to Saima Wazed Putul. 

According to the statement, there were serious issues with her appointment as WHO‍‍`s South-East Asia Regional Director. 

It was revealed that state resources were misused, and irregular activities were involved. Despite lacking proper qualifications, Saima Wazed was appointed to the position using the influence of her mother, Sheikh Hasina. 

Furthermore, the details about her experience and qualifications were reportedly fabricated. In an attempt to cover up her lack of qualifications, Sheikh Hasina even took her along on a trip during the 2023 G-20 summit. 

Putul was also granted opportunities to join state visits for no clear reason.

The ACC documents also mention that Saima Wazed Putul, by using her family’s influence, allegedly acquired a 10-katha plot of land in the Diplomatic Zone of the East Dhaka New Town residential project through corrupt means.

As a result, the ACC has filed a corruption case against her.

Additionally, the statement accused Putul of setting up an organization called ‘Shuchana Foundation,’ where she allegedly forced social and business organizations to donate and then embezzled the funds. 

She is also accused of using the Autism Cell under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to fake projects and steal public money.