Sat Jul 12 16:51:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Saima Wazed, the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia and daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has taken indefinite leave. This follows the filing of cases against her by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission for fraud, forgery, and misuse of power. Her appointment was already under scrutiny due to allegations of using her mother’s influence and providing false information. Catharina Boehme is currently serving as officer-in-charge.

**News Article:**

**WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, Takes Indefinite Leave Amid Corruption Allegations**

**NEW DELHI – July 12, 2025** – Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for the South-East Asia Region, has commenced indefinite leave, a WHO spokesperson confirmed to The Hindu on Saturday. This move comes amidst a cloud of controversy, following the filing of cases against Ms. Wazed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission for alleged fraud, forgery, and misuse of power.

Ms. Wazed, the daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been serving as Regional Director since February 1, 2024, a five-year term that sees her directing international health efforts across 11 countries in the region. Catharina Boehme has been appointed as officer-in-charge during her absence.

The WHO has not provided a specific reason for Ms. Wazed’s leave. However, the allegations against her include accusations of using her mother’s influence during her campaign for the position and providing false information regarding her academic credentials, potentially violating Bangladesh Penal Code sections related to forgery.

Prior to her role as Regional Director, Ms. Wazed served as an advisor on mental health and autism to the WHO Director-General and was a member of the WHO’s expert advisory panel on mental health. She is also a licensed school psychologist, nationally certified in the U.S., and has held several advisory positions within the Bangladesh government relating to mental health and disability.

The situation is developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

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