The Government of Bangladesh has sent a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) requesting direct collaboration, bypassing the organization’s regional director.
At a press conference on Wednesday (October 30) evening at the Foreign Service Academy, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Apurba Jahangir, shared this information.
Currently, Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, serves as the regional director of WHO’s Southeast Asia office. However, Bangladesh has requested to work directly with the WHO without her involvement.
Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir explained, “Saima Wazed has become dysfunctional for us. There are ongoing criminal and financial allegations against her, which have led us to request that any communication with WHO does not go through her.”
Additionally, he mentioned that Bangladesh has urged WHO to take appropriate action against Saima Wazed.
Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Shafiqul Alam, stated at the conference, "The interim government wants to collaborate directly with WHO. On ethical grounds, we have decided not to work with Saima Wazed, and this has been conveyed to the organization in writing."
Notably, Saima Wazed was elected regional director of WHO's Southeast Asia office in November of last year and is expected to serve a five-year term.
