State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today termed Saima Wazed Putul's appointment as WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia "extremely unfortunate and controversial", questioning the process through which she secured the position.

"Saima Wazed Putul's appointment to this position was extremely unfortunate and controversial," he told journalists at the foreign ministry here this afternoon.

Kobir alleged that Saima Wazed did not possess the educational qualifications, experience or expertise necessary for such a high-level position and claimed that she had secured the post through nepotism and political influence under the previous government.

He said it was therefore not surprising that questions and investigations had emerged surrounding her appointment.

The state minister also alleged that fraud, concealment of information and exertion of influence were involved in the process through which she obtained the position.

Kobir stressed that international organisations should make their recruitment processes more transparent, rigorous and merit-based to safeguard their credibility and standing.
"It's a shame for international organisations," he said, adding that people should not be appointed to important international positions merely because of their connections to politically influential families.

Referring to the importance of the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly its role in global health during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kobir said such an institution should be led by people with the required qualifications, integrity and experience.

"International organisations should make their recruitment processes more transparent and rigorous," he said.

Kobir said appointing qualified and experienced people capable of providing effective leadership was essential for maintaining the credibility of international institutions.

Asked about Bangladesh's position ahead of the next selection process for the WHO South-East Asia regional leadership, the state minister said Dhaka would favour a properly qualified candidate.

"We hope that, in the future, we will support a candidate with the appropriate qualifications," he said.

He mentioned the possibility of considering a candidate from the Maldives, saying such a candidate could have a good track record and necessary qualifications.

Kobir expressed hope that the regional body would be placed under capable leadership in the future.