ACC calls for Putul’s removal from WHO

Staff Reporter :

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) issued a letter to the Foreign Ministry on Sunday, requesting action to remove Saima Wazed Putul from her position as WHO South Asia Director.

On 15 January, the ACC initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the appointment of Putul, which is believed to have been facilitated by the then-ruling Awami League.

ACC Director General (Prevention), Md Akter Hossain, informed reporters that preliminary findings suggest that the ousted leader, Sheikh Hasina, improperly used her influence and employed unfair methods to secure the appointment of her daughter, Saima Wazed, as the WHO regional chief, despite her lack of the necessary qualifications.

The alleged nepotism in appointing Saima Wazed as the WHO regional chief was highlighted in a report on the front page of this newspaper, The New Nation, on Sunday. Professor Dr. M. Muzaherul Huq, a former Adviser to the WHO, was quoted as saying, “Saima Wazed does not appear to have the requisite substantive track record in public health leadership or significant competencies in organisational management, which are mandatory under WHO guidelines for candidates vying for such a position.”

The expert noted that Regional Directors are appointed by the WHO Executive Board in agreement with the Regional Committee.

WHO’s legal counsel had observed that, despite a decision by the World Health Assembly to implement a process for assessing the qualifications of all candidates, concerns remain about adherence to this protocol.

“In cases involving election campaigns, it is appropriate for national authorities to investigate. Saima’s appointment is reportedly under investigation to determine whether any misconduct occurred during the election process involving member countries.”