ACC approves charge sheet against Putul

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved the filing of a charge sheet against Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, over allegations that she provided false information in her curriculum vitae (CV) to secure the post of regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South-East Asia.
ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan disclosed the development at a briefing on Sunday.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Putul claimed in her CV that she had worked as an “honorary specialist/expert” at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), now known as Bangladesh Medical University, while applying for the WHO position. The ACC investigation found the claim to be false and fabricated, the sources said.
The commission alleged that Putul used the claimed professional experience to strengthen her credentials and secure the position at the international organisation.
The investigation also referred to her roles as chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Suchona Foundation during the period in question.
According to the investigation report, influence was allegedly exerted during the recruitment process to prepare and verify documents based on the information provided in her CV.
The ACC further alleged that pressure was applied to process the relevant documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs without proper scrutiny and verification.
The information was subsequently sent to WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, through Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission and other channels involving the United Nations and international organisations, according to the investigation findings.
The ACC alleged that the information submitted through these channels contributed to Putul’s appointment as regional director for South-East Asia.
The commission further alleged that submitting false information in her CV and abusing power damaged the country’s reputation.
Based on its findings, the ACC approved the filing of a charge sheet against Putul in court. The approval marks a new stage in the case, but the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.