We, the undersigned, call for the urgent reevaluation and removal of Saima Wazed Putul from her position within the World Health Organization (WHO) for the South-East Asia Region. This request is driven by grave concerns regarding her public support and advocacy for the policies of her mother, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, who stands accused of crimes against humanity, creating a profound conflict of interest.

Background:

Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership, the government of Bangladesh has engaged in severe human rights abuses, particularly noted during the student-led uprising in July 2024. The government's violent suppression of peaceful protests resulted in numerous injuries and deaths, with the affected individuals left without adequate healthcare.

Concerns:

1. Direct Advocacy for Repressive Actions: Saima Wazed Putul has publicly supported and condoned the brutal tactics employed by her mother's regime. Her vocal advocacy for these actions stands in direct opposition to the WHO’s principles of impartiality and humanity.
   Conflict of Interest: Ms. Wazed's role within the WHO while supporting a regime accused of severe human rights violations presents a significant conflict of interest. Her position could potentially influence WHO policies and actions in ways that benefit her mother's political agenda, compromising the organization's neutrality and effectiveness.
2. Impact on WHO’s Integrity and Credibility: The integrity of the WHO is at risk if it continues to employ individuals whose actions and public stances contradict the organization’s foundational values. The presence of Ms. Wazed in a key role undermines the trust and respect the WHO commands globally.
3. Suitability and Ethical Implications: The ethical implications of Ms. Wazed's continued involvement in the WHO, given her public support for governmental brutality, raise serious questions about her suitability for a role in a health organization that aims to serve impartially and justly.
   Request:

We urgently request the WHO Executive Board to:

1. Reevaluate Saima Wazed Putul’s role within the organization, considering the significant conflict of interest her current position poses.
2. Remove her from her position to safeguard the WHO’s commitment to impartiality, integrity, and global health governance free of political bias.
3. Enhance the vetting processes for significant appointments, ensuring that candidates’ values and actions align with the WHO’s mission of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable.

To preserve the World Health Organization as a beacon of trust and neutrality in global health, it is imperative that any appearance of bias or conflict of interest be addressed decisively. The removal of Saima Wazed Putul is crucial to maintaining the organization's credibility and effectiveness. We ask for immediate and thoughtful consideration of this matter.

Thank you for your commitment to global health and ethical leadership.