Saima Wazed's Limbo: On Leave from WHO, No Signs of Political Plunge

Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is currently on indefinite leave from her significant role as the Regional Director for the World Health Organization's (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO). This development, effective July 11, has intensified speculation about her future, particularly regarding a potential entry into Bangladesh's political landscape, though current information suggests this is not on the cards.

Wazed's indefinite leave from the WHO comes amidst a whirlwind of corruption allegations and legal challenges in Bangladesh. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed multiple cases against her, alleging fraud, forgery, and misuse of power related to her academic credentials used for the WHO nomination and the purported misappropriation of approximately $2.8 million from the Suchana Foundation, an organization she previously headed. An arrest warrant has also been issued against her in Bangladesh, severely restricting her ability to travel within the SEARO region. Her flat in Gulshan, Dhaka, was reportedly seized by the ACC in April 2025.

Where is she now? And is she with Sheikh Hasina?

While Saima Wazed's precise current whereabouts are not publicly disclosed, it's understood she was operating from the WHO SEARO office in New Delhi prior to her leave. Given that her mother, Sheikh Hasina, sought refuge in India following her ousting in August 2024, it is plausible that Saima Wazed remains in India. However, there is no official confirmation or concrete evidence to suggest she is currently residing with her mother. Their movements remain largely private amidst the ongoing political upheaval and legal proceedings in Bangladesh.

A Step into Politics?

Despite her prominent family lineage and the controversy surrounding her WHO appointment, there is no current indication that Saima Wazed is poised to join active politics within her mother's party, the Awami League. Her professional focus has historically been on public health, specifically in the areas of autism and mental health, rather than traditional political roles.

While her WHO nomination was reportedly influenced by her mother's former government, this does not translate into a direct political role within the Awami League's organizational structure. Her current legal entanglements and the indefinite leave from her international position would likely make any immediate political entry highly complex and challenging. Political analysts have previously suggested that while she might be "groomed" for a future role, it would likely take time for her to enter active politics, a timeline now further complicated by her current circumstances.

As the legal investigations in Bangladesh proceed, Saima Wazed's professional future remains uncertain, and a shift towards active politics appears unlikely in the immediate term.