Bangladesh considers backing Maldives for WHO seat vacated by Hasina’s daughter

Bangladesh says it is considering backing the Maldives’ candidate in the upcoming election for the regional chief of the World Health Organization's (WHO) South-East Asia region.

The remark was made by Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir during a press conference on Sunday.

The WHO seat in question was previously held by Saima Wazed, the daughter of ousted Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Wazed resigned from the post last week after she was investigated for committing financial fraud and of misrepresenting her academic credentials.

Asked whether Bangladesh would nominate a new candidate for the post, Kobir said Wazed did not have the proper experience and acceptable qualifications for appointment to that post, and that the appointment process was also flawed.

“The appointment of Saima Wazed Putul to that position was extremely unfortunate and controversial. She had none of the necessary academic qualifications, experience or skills required for such a high-level position. An authoritarian government appointed her to the post through nepotism,” he said.

Kobir said Bangladesh would support a candidate with the appropriate qualifications in the future.

“For example, the candidate from the Maldives could be considered, as they have a good track record and qualifications. I hope that in the near future, the organization will be led by capable leadership,” he said.

Regional directors are among the world's most influential health policy officials, with their duties including responses to outbreaks and emergencies and adapting WHO policies to local conditions. They are elected every five years by member states.

The election for the post vacated by Wazed is scheduled to be held next January.