DHAKA, Nov 2, 2023 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin today extended warm congratulations to Saima Wazed for being nominated the regional director of the Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) of the World Health Organization (WHO). 

In a congratulatory message today, he said the victory of Saima, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter, is not only her personal victory, but also the victory of 17 crore people of Bangladesh.

"We are proud of this victory," the Head of State added.

He said Saima Wazed's victory in this position would help accelerate the desired development of the overall health system, including mental health and autism, in the countries of this region.

The new journey that has started in Bangladesh to establish and develop the rights of people with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders will be accelerated in the days to come, President Shahabuddin hoped.

Saima Wazed has been elected regional director of the SEARO, comprises 11 member countries, for the next five years. She won the election by 8-2 votes. 

Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR (North) Korea, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste took part in the voting held in New Delhi on Wednesday, the third day of the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia.