MSF chief meets PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir met a delegation led by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International President Dr Mohamed Javid Abdelmoneim on Thursday (August 20) to discuss the organisation’s ongoing humanitarian and medical operations in Bangladesh and scope for expanding cooperation.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at around 11:30am, with discussions focusing on MSF’s emergency healthcare services, medical assistance during humanitarian crises and its field-level experience in Bangladesh.

Kabir praised MSF’s longstanding contribution to humanitarian and medical services in the country, particularly during disasters and other emergencies. He underscored the importance of international humanitarian organisations in protecting lives and ensuring access to urgent medical care during crises.

The two sides also discussed strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity to respond rapidly to emergencies involving disasters, displacement and disease outbreaks. They explored opportunities for sharing international expertise and experience to improve the effectiveness of the country’s healthcare response.

The MSF delegation briefed the adviser on its operations and the challenges encountered while delivering humanitarian healthcare on the ground. The organisation expressed its willingness to continue and, where necessary, expand its activities in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The meeting also emphasised stronger coordination between the government and international humanitarian agencies to ensure timely medical and emergency assistance for crisis-affected communities.

MSF Bangladesh Country Representative Elco Brummelman, Malaysia Mission Regional Humanitarian Affairs Lead Anna Ansari and Bangladesh Mission Country Representative Adviser Imamur Rahman were also present.

Both sides expressed optimism about continued cooperation in the humanitarian and healthcare sectors.