Dhaka will collaborate directly with the WHO, as Regional Director Saima is considered "dysfunctional"

The Bangladesh government has formally requested to work directly with the World Health Organization (WHO) due to Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, being “currently dysfunctional.”

At a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Apurba Jahangir, explained that WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Putul is currently “dysfunctional,” facing implications in several criminal and financial cases. He clarified that Bangladesh has sent a letter to the WHO to allow direct communication without Saima Wazed’s mediation, urging WHO to act promptly on the matter.

Responding to questions, Apurba stated that while WHO appoints its regional directors, Bangladesh generally maintains communication through them. However, given the current concerns, a direct liaison is now sought. Apurba added that Saima’s ties to the former autocratic family raise doubts about her dedication to Bangladesh’s interests.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam further stated that Saima Wazed’s implication in financial crimes, with frozen bank accounts under investigation by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), makes direct work with her unfeasible. The government has thus requested WHO to inform Bangladesh of any steps taken to address this issue.

During the briefing, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also addressed a separate matter involving an alleged bribery case in the appointment of deputy commissioners (DCs), as reported by *Dainik Kalbela*. Following a high-level investigation, the government found the bribery claims unsubstantiated. The government now requests *Dainik Kalbela* to review and act on their report accordingly.