Staff Correspondent

Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, grossly violated protocol when assuming the role of WHO South Asia regional director by unlawfully attending the UN health body’s assembly using state funds, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has learnt from its preliminary findings.

Putul also held Canadian citizenship when applying for and assuming the role on 1 November 2023, evidences suggest, according to an ACC statement issued Sunday. She also provided improper data while applying for WHO South Asia director post, likely to hide her misadventures and dual citizenship status.

Her continued service for WHO on behalf of Bangladesh risks gravely tarnishing the country’s reputation at the global stage, ACC believes, it said.

Different sources and evidences imply Putul was incorporated into the Awami League government’s foreign trips without any logical reason, and only due to her family ties to party chief Sheikh Hasina.

During October-November 2023, an unnecessarily large Bangladesh government delegation visited Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 76th assembly of WHO.

Putul attended the trip without having any legitimate role in the delegation, and splurged huge money of Bangladeshi taxpayers during her Geneva stay, courtesy of her undue influence in the then ruling Awami League party.

ACC’s preliminary but valid finding adds to the evidences against Putul.

ACC has already filed a case against her for allegedly booking a 10-katha flat in Purbachal through corruption and use of malign influence.

ACC is also probing allegations that Putul embezzled charity funds of a welfare organisation she founded under the name “Suchona Foundation.” She also embezzled huge state funds for her personal use in the name of different autism projects, as per another allegation submitted with ACC.