Bangladesh has announced an investigation into the appointment of Saima Wazed as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia (SEARO). Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, secured the role in November 2023 amid allegations of undue influence exerted by her mother.
The scrutiny comes as Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August 2023 following a public uprising against her government’s suppression of student protests, faces calls for extradition. Currently residing in India, Hasina is under investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). General Akhtar Hossain, the ACC’s director, confirmed to The Business Standard that the inquiry would encompass the circumstances surrounding Wazed’s appointment.
Hossain stated that corruption is suspected in the process, casting doubt on whether Wazed’s selection adhered to WHO’s established standards for appointing regional directors.
Allegations of nepotism and lack of qualifications
Wazed’s appointment was controversial from the outset. Public health expert Mukesh Kapila, writing for Health Policy Watch prior to the election, questioned whether Wazed met the rigorous criteria for the position. Kapila noted that her capability statement failed to demonstrate the “strong technical and public health background and extensive experience in global health” required by WHO.
Additionally, Wazed reportedly lacked “the mandatory substantive track record in public health leadership and significant competencies in organisational management.” Critics have accused Hasina of leveraging her political influence, introducing her daughter at high-profile summits such as BRICS, ASEAN, G20, and the United Nations General Assembly, to secure support for her candidacy. Kapila described this lobbying as potentially crossing the line from legitimate advocacy to blatant nepotism.
Wazed, a psychologist specialising in autism, does not have a background in global public health leadership, raising further questions about her suitability for the role.
A broader concern for WHO elections
The controversy surrounding Wazed’s election highlights broader concerns about governance within WHO. SEARO, which comprises 11 member states including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, saw only Nepal challenge Wazed’s candidacy, leading to limited competition for the position.
The WHO’s legal framework under Article 52 of its Constitution allows regional directors to be appointed by its Executive Board in agreement with the regional committee. However, a 2012 World Health Assembly decision to standardise assessments of candidates’ qualifications has only been fully implemented in WHO’s European Region, leaving gaps in other regions’ selection processes.
In response to the growing scrutiny, WHO acknowledged the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct. The organisation stated: “If there are allegations of wrongdoing by or within a member state in connection with a WHO election campaign, it is appropriate for these to be investigated by the competent national authorities. We would not comment on such investigations or any consequential legal processes while they are ongoing.”
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Proposed reforms
The 2024 WHO Executive Board has recommended measures to improve the integrity of regional director appointments. These include expanding the code of conduct to address sexual misconduct, abusive behaviour, and mandatory disclosure of interests by candidates. Additionally, it has called for more stringent reference checks, due diligence reviews of qualifications, and disclosure of grants or aid funding related to candidates in the two years preceding their nomination.
These recommendations aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the election process, ensuring that appointments are based on merit rather than political influence.
Bangladesh’s broader investigation
As part of its broader probe into Sheikh Hasina’s activities, Bangladesh’s ACC aims to determine whether Wazed’s election was influenced by corrupt practices. The investigation reflects the country’s attempts to restore credibility after the political turmoil that led to Hasina’s flight from the country.
While the investigation unfolds, questions linger about how Wazed’s appointment will impact the credibility of SEARO and the broader WHO. With Bangladesh pressing for reforms and accountability, the case may serve as a turning point in ensuring fair and transparent leadership appointments within international organisations.
For now, both Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed remain under scrutiny, with the spotlight firmly on Bangladesh’s efforts to address alleged corruption and uphold the integrity of global governance institutions.
