Saturday, 18 January, 2025
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina misused her authority to secure her daughter, Sayema Wazed Putul, a position as Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO).
ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain confirmed on Wednesday that the commission had received a formal complaint regarding the matter.
Putul, a clinical psychology graduate, previously worked as a school psychologist in the United States. She also held roles in Bangladesh as chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and as a member of the WHO’s Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health.
In November 2023, Putul was elected as the Regional Director for the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) during its 76th session in New Delhi, India. She officially assumed the position in February 2024 and has since been based in New Delhi. Notably, Hasina has also been residing in Delhi since the Awami League’s fall from power following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024.
Speaking about the allegations, ACC official Akhtar Hossain said: “There are claims that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina misused her authority to secure her daughter Sayema Wazed Putul’s appointment as WHO Regional Director, despite questions about her qualifications. After verifying preliminary information, the commission has decided to proceed with a detailed investigation.”
The investigation adds to the growing legal troubles for Hasina and her daughter since the collapse of the Awami League government. Over 100 cases have been filed against Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, following her removal from power.
Several cases have also been lodged against Putul, including one by the ACC, alleging concealment of information and abuse of power in the allocation of land in Purbachal.
The ACC’s probe marks a significant development in the ongoing accountability measures against key figures of the former administration.
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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina misused her authority to secure her daughter, Sayema Wazed Putul, a position as Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO).
ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain confirmed on Wednesday that the commission had received a formal complaint regarding the matter.
Putul, a clinical psychology graduate, previously worked as a school psychologist in the United States. She also held roles in Bangladesh as chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and as a member of the WHO’s Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health.
In November 2023, Putul was elected as the Regional Director for the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) during its 76th session in New Delhi, India. She officially assumed the position in February 2024 and has since been based in New Delhi. Notably, Hasina has also been residing in Delhi since the Awami League’s fall from power following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024.
Speaking about the allegations, ACC official Akhtar Hossain said: “There are claims that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina misused her authority to secure her daughter Sayema Wazed Putul’s appointment as WHO Regional Director, despite questions about her qualifications. After verifying preliminary information, the commission has decided to proceed with a detailed investigation.”
The investigation adds to the growing legal troubles for Hasina and her daughter since the collapse of the Awami League government. Over 100 cases have been filed against Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, following her removal from power.
Several cases have also been lodged against Putul, including one by the ACC, alleging concealment of information and abuse of power in the allocation of land in Purbachal.
The ACC’s probe marks a significant development in the ongoing accountability measures against key figures of the former administration.
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