Deputy foreign minister Humayun Kabir has questioned the appointment process of Saima Wazed Putul, former director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asia regional office. He said Putul did not have the qualifications necessary to hold that post, and that the appointment process itself was flawed and carried the stench of corruption.
He also said Bangladesh had decided to support a candidate from the Maldives for WHO’s next regional director appointment.
The deputy foreign minister made the remarks at a press conference at the foreign ministry on Sunday (September 13).
The prime minister will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the United Nations General Assembly session. Deputy foreign minister Humayun Kabir said the visit would be used to present Bangladesh’s new vision and priorities on the world stage.
Outlining details of the visit and the government’s policy positions, the minister said several bilateral meetings with world leaders, alongside a number of important sideline meetings, would take place during the New York visit. Alongside presenting Bangladesh’s vision on the world stage, various issues related to the country’s interests would also be discussed.
On bilateral relations with India, the deputy foreign minister said Dhaka wants to build a new and effective relationship with India. Asked about border killings, he said stopping such killings and resolving related complications would be pursued through discussions via diplomatic channels.
Highlighting plans for a special sideline meeting on resolving the Rohingya crisis during the US visit, the minister said the Rohingya issue would receive major emphasis in meetings with world leaders.
On recovering money laundered abroad, the deputy foreign minister said efforts to bring back funds illegally siphoned out of Bangladesh were already underway, with a process to secure international cooperation ongoing.