[🇧🇩] Humanitarian Corridor to Myanmar: Implications for Bangladesh.

[Saif]

Date of Event: Apr 30, 2025 Source : https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/bnp-to-unite-political-parties-against-humanitarian-corridor-to-myanmar

BNP to unite political parties against ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Myanmar
UNB
Published :
Apr 29, 2025 20:51
Updated :
Apr 29, 2025 20:51

Deeply concerned by the interim government's approval of a humanitarian corridor from the Chittagong Hill Tracts to Myanmar's Rakhine State, the BNP plans to launch initiatives with all political parties to resist the move, describing it as a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

Talking to UNB, three BNP standing committee members said they would take all possible steps, in consultation with other political parties, to mount pressure on the government to abandon this risky plan that could turn Bangladesh into a battlefield like Palestine.

They said the BNP would either send a letter to the government or dispatch a delegation to meet the Chief Adviser to learn more about the Rakhine corridor.

The BNP leaders said their party’s standing committee, at its meeting on Monday night, discussed the matter in detail with serious concerns.

They said the meeting decided to engage with like-minded parties on the issue and simultaneously gather information on the government's actual intentions in this regard, as well as evidence concerning the real situation in Rakhine.

Later, the party will present the entire matter to the nation based on facts and logic, highlighting that an unelected government, lacking the people’s mandate, has no authority to take decisions on such a highly sensitive issue.

On Saturday, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain announced that the interim government, in principle, agreed to allow a humanitarian corridor under UN supervision, subject to certain conditions.

He, however, did not provide further details on the matter.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking at a programme on Monday, strongly objected to the decision, stating that the interim government should have consulted political parties beforehand, as the issue concerns the country’s independence, sovereignty and the future peace and stability of the region.

“Such passages have been used to send aid to war-torn Gaza via Jordan. We do not want our country to become another Gaza… We don’t want to turn into another Gaza. We don’t want to see war anymore. We don’t even want anyone to come here and create trouble for us. We’re already in a big crisis with the Rohingya,” he said.

Later that night, the BNP policymakers, in a virtual meeting presided over by party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, voiced similar concerns.

“We have taken the issue so seriously that our meeting was entirely focused on this single issue. Almost all members of our standing committee expressed their anger over the interim government’s move to provide a humanitarian corridor for Rakhine State, Myanmar, without consulting political parties,” said a BNP policymaker.

He said their party believes that an unelected government, without a mandate from the people, has no jurisdiction to make a decision on matters related to the country's security and sovereignty.

“In a context where a state of war prevails in Myanmar—where the military junta and the Arakan Army are engaged in a nationwide conflict, and the junta has halted all supplies to suppress the Arakan Army—we also discussed how reasonable it would be for Bangladesh to provide a humanitarian corridor, and whether that could pose a threat to the country’s security,” the BNP leader said.

Another BNP policymaker said while Bangladesh has already been bearing the burden of over a million Rohingya, who were allowed in on humanitarian grounds, the country should not be dragged into another crisis by providing a humanitarian corridor.

The BNP leader said the party has sympathy for the people of Rakhine, as UN reports indicate the region is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis. “But Bangladesh must also understand the views of neighbouring countries, particularly China and India, on the issue.”

At their meeting, he noted that a BNP standing committee member mentioned that the humanitarian corridor could be part of an international agenda to destabilise the region and possibly create a Christian state involving parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar.

He warned that if such plans are implemented, Bangladesh risks becoming another Palestine.

Contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “We are not fully aware of the matter yet. From media reports, we have learned that the government has unilaterally taken such an important decision without any discussion with the people or political parties.”

He said they have heard that the government plans to allow the corridor on humanitarian grounds, with certain conditions. “But we do not know what those conditions are.”

The BNP leader urged the government to clearly inform the nation about the decision and the specific conditions involved.

“We, too, are gathering relevant information and evidence on the issue. We will also discuss it with relevant experts and stakeholders. Once we have done so, our party will announce its formal position,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed astonishment over the government’s decision, saying, “If this decision is implemented, it will jeopardise Bangladesh's security, peace, stability, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.”

He cautioned that any move which could potentially trigger military conflict with any party in Myanmar would pose a grave risk to Bangladesh. “So, such a sensitive decision must be taken with the utmost caution, based on consensus and only after discussions with all political parties and social forces.”

In response to a query, Salahuddin said, “We will ask the government whether any discussions were held with the United Nations or any other party regarding the humanitarian corridor. If so, what were the conditions? Why was this decision taken? Once we hear the government's explanation, we will determine our next course of action.”​

 

[Saif]

Govt should have talked to political parties over ‘humanitarian corridor’ for Rakhine: Mirza Fakhrul

The interim government should have talked to the political parties before taking the decision in principle of allowing a “humanitarian corridor” for communications with Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked Monday. He...

en.prothomalo.com

Govt should have talked to political parties over ‘humanitarian corridor’ for Rakhine: Mirza Fakhrul
Correspondent Thakurgaon
Published: 28 Apr 2025, 23: 13

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses a rally in Thakurgaon sadar upazila on 28 April 2025 Prothom Alo

The interim government should have talked to the political parties before taking the decision in principle of allowing a “humanitarian corridor” for communications with Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked Monday.

He further said this decision is involved with the country’s independence and sovereignty and future peace and stability of this region.

Mirza Fakhrul said this while speaking as the chief guest at a mass campaign at Jagannathpur union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila in the evening.

“A news report today made me thoughtful. Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Mr. Touhid, he said, ‘We want to allow a humanitarian passage for communications with the Arakanese’. This is a tough thing, it is hard to make you understand. You cannot go there (Rakhine); but now we can go there through Chattogram in Bangladesh. We can go there and communicate (with them). Now they are allowing this humanitarian passage there to communicate.”

Mirza Fakhrul further said, “Let me explain the matter a little. Isn’t there a war going on in Gaza? Israel is only dropping bombs on Gaza, right? No one can go there. A road is being built from Jordan or Egypt and food and medicine from the United Nations are being sent to Gaza from that direction. It’s alright, it is necessary for humanitarian reasons. But what I am saying is, today Bangladesh has to reach the point where Bangladesh had to allow a humanitarian passage. This is a very big decision. Our independence, sovereignty and peace and stability of the region in the future are related to this decision.”

According to Mirza Fakhrul, the government should have talked to all political parties about this issue. Instead of talking about it, they (the government) are making unilateral decisions and giving space for humanitarian passage.

The BNP leader said they had no objection to helping people; they had no objection to the initiative that the United Nations had taken. But it must be with the support of all people.

Mentioning “we don’t want to become another Gaza”, Mirza Fakhrul further said, “We don’t want to get involved in another war. We don’t even want anyone to come here and create trouble for us. We’re already in a big crisis with the Rohingya. We think we should have discussed this before allowing this so that there would be no problems with granting passage.”

Mirza Fakhrul also spoke about the reform initiatives. He said the power of the prime minister was becoming like a king. “We need reforms in those spheres. That is why we have talked about 31-point reforms. But we also want the election to be held. We hope the conscience of the government will prevail. They have said they will try to hold the election from December to June. But what we want to say is, please say it clearly, when you will organise the election. Announce a roadmap.”

Thakurgaon district BNP leaders were also present there.​

 

[Saif]

রাখাইনে মানবিক করিডোর কি বাংলাদেশের জন্য নিরাপত্তা ঝুঁকি তৈরি করবে? (If Bangladesh allows a humanitarian corridor for the UN to help the Rohingya in Myanmar, it could pose a serious security threat for Bangladesh. More Rohingya may come to Bangladesh to escape Arakan Army's persecution.)

 

[Saif]

Govt yet to hold any talks with UN on ‘humanitarian corridor’: Shafiqul Alam

Our position is that should there be an UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support

en.prothomalo.com

Govt yet to hold any talks with UN on ‘humanitarian corridor’: Shafiqul Alam
BSS
Published: 29 Apr 2025, 17: 15

Press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government, Shafiqul Alam. File photo

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today said the interim government has not discussed about the so-called ‘humanitarian corridor’ with the United Nations (UN) or any other entity.

“We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed about the so-called humanitarian corridor with the UN or any other entity,” he told BSS, responding to a question over reports about the UN ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar.

Alam said, “Our position is that should there be an UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support.”

According to UNDP, he said the Rakhine state is facing an acute humanitarian situation.

Bangladesh has a stellar record to help countries in times of distress, as exemplified by “our aid to Myanmar” following recent devastating earthquake, he added.

“Moreover, we are concerned that persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which we cannot afford,” the press secretary warned.

He said the interim government also believes that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilise Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refuges back to Myanmar.

Given the present conditions, he said, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route, he added.

“However, there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine. We are in touch with the concerned parties in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh,” Alam said.

He said as regards the reports of involvement of a major power, “these are pure and unadulterated propaganda”.

“We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation spread against Bangladesh in recent months, which is still continuing. This sort of propaganda is no different,” the press secretary said.​

 

[Saif]

CA apprised of security aspects

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was apprised of overall security aspects including the border situation and Rohingya crisis in a meeting at his residence-cum office Jamuna.

www.newagebd.net

CA apprised of security aspects
Staff Correspondent 29 April, 2025, 23:28

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. | File photo

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was apprised of overall security aspects including the border situation and Rohingya crisis in a meeting at his residence-cum office Jamuna.

The meeting, attended by advisers concerned, heads of the military forces and national security adviser and chief adviser’s high representative on Rohingya crisis and priority matters Khalilur Rahman, also discussed the situation along the border with Myanmar and regional issues having links with the country’s security, officials confirmed.

They said that overall security aspects of the country were discussed in the meeting held a couple of days after foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain disclosed Bangladesh’s position about the United Nations’ proposal for providing a humanitarian channel to the conflict-ridden Rakhine State of Myanmar facing civil war since 2021.

On April 27, foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that Bangladesh agreed in principle to provide a humanitarian passage to Rakhine in line with a UN proposal that drew repercussions from various quarters including political parties.

More than 1.3 million Myanmar nationals of the Rohingya community have fled to Bangladesh amid brutal atrocities by the Myanmar military since 2017, according to government data.​

 

[Saif]

Humanitarian corridor: 'First get guarantee for Rohingya return'

'The interim government has agreed in principle to allow a humanitarian corridor under UN supervision with certain conditions'

www.thedailystar.net

Humanitarian corridor: 'First get guarantee for Rohingya return'
Say foreign policy experts

Dhaka must secure guaranteed security and full commitment from Naypyidaw for Rohingya repatriation before establishing any humanitarian corridor to Myanmar's Rakhine State, said foreign policy analysts.

If any country or humanitarian agency provides aid for Rakhine State, Bangladesh can help supply those to the Arakan Army at the border, said Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director of the Centre for Alternatives.

"And there is no problem with that -- but the idea of a humanitarian corridor being discussed is not clear," he said.

On Saturday, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain announced that the interim government has agreed in principle to allow a humanitarian corridor under UN supervision with certain conditions. He did not give further details.

As the UN is proposing such a corridor, it is not clear how it will ensure its security as any such issue will require UN Security Council (UNSC) approval, said Ahmed, also a former professor of international relations at Dhaka University.

"Will the UN take any responsibility if the initiative backfires? Will the UN take responsibility if there is any escalation of conflicts in the humanitarian corridor?" Ahmed said.

The UN has been seeking a humanitarian corridor to provide aid to the people in Rakhine State, which, according to a UNDP report in November last year, faces imminent threat of acute famine.

Predictions indicated that by March-April 2025, domestic food production would only cover 20 percent of the population's needs. Combined with the near-total halt on trade, over 2 million people were at risk of starvation, it said.

"Will the UN take any responsibility if the initiative backfires? Will the UN take responsibility if there is any escalation of conflicts in the humanitarian corridor?"— Imtiaz Ahmed, foreign policy expert.

Against this backdrop, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who visited Bangladesh in the middle of March, discussed with Bangladesh authorities the possibilities of a humanitarian corridor to Rakhine via Bangladesh, but added that it requires "authorisation and the cooperation of the parties to the conflict".

A UNSC resolution is required for the deployment of UN Peacekeepers, said Niloy Ranjan Biswas, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University.

"It is unlikely that the UNSC permanent members China and Russia would agree to any such proposal if made ever."

For establishing a humanitarian corridor, it is important to ensure full security in Rakhine, he said.

"Myanmar junta and the Arakan Army must have a full ceasefire," Biswas said.

Every day, 30 to 40 Rohingyas are fleeing to Bangladesh, according to Mizanur Rahman, the refugee relief and repatriation commissioner.

On the other hand, Bangladesh has to secure a guarantee that the AA, which now reportedly controls about 80 percent of Rakhine, ensures conditions for Rohingya repatriation, he said.

The Rohingya are demanding a guarantee of citizenship, recognition as an ethnic group and safety in Rakhine from where they fled. Neither the Myanmar civilian administration nor the junta government ensured these demands in the past eight years.

"For Bangladesh, it is now very important to understand the position of the Arakan Army for Rohingya repatriation," Biswas said.

It would have been better if the interim government detailed the conditions for the humanitarian corridor and how the UN proposed to guarantee security and help secure the AA commitment to Rohingya repatriation, he added.

On the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok in April, Bangladesh's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Myanmar's Foreign Minister Than Swe held a meeting, where Swe confirmed that 180,000 Rohingya living in Bangladesh are eligible to return.

Bangladesh is informally engaged with the AA.

"Myanmar is our neighbour. We need to consider our future relations with the country -- call it the central government or the Arakan Army -- as we take any policy towards it. We also need to see how the important countries like the US, India and China look at the issue," Ahmed said.

It is essential to ensure that no armed group can take advantage of the humanitarian corridor and fuel conflicts in the region, said a government official involved with the proceedings.​

 

[Saif]

Govt willing if support to Rakhine is UN backed

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the interim government has not discussed the so-called “humanitarian corridor” with the UN or any other entity, but it would be willing to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid to Rakhine state through Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt willing if support to Rakhine is UN backed
Says Khalilur

File photo

Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistic support should there be a UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Khalilur Rahman, the government's adviser on Rohingya issues, told AFP.

"We believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilise Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees."

Khalilur said the aid route was only at a "consultation stage" and would require consensus among multiple groups.

"We are in touch with the UN and other concerned parties in this regard," he said.

Touhid Hossain, foreign affairs adviser in the interim government, on Sunday said that Dhaka would consider a "humanitarian passage", provided the UN agrees to certain conditions.

But that prompted worries among Bangladeshi political parties. The BNP secretary general on Monday said the government should have consulted the issue before deciding to provide "humanitarian corridor" for Rakhine state, as it is related to the country's security and sovereignty.

Louise Barber, from the UN office in Bangladesh, said the proposal required the approval of the authorities in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

"Any humanitarian support, or supplies across the border from Bangladesh to Myanmar, will first need to be agreed between the two governments," Barber said.

Meanwhile, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday said the government has not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the UN or any other entity, but it would be willing to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid to Rakhine state through Bangladesh, reports our diplomatic correspondent.

"Our position is that should there be an UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support," he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

After a visit to Bangladesh in mid-March, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told media in Dhaka that he discussed with Bangladesh authorities the possibilities of channelling humanitarian aid inside Myanmar via Bangladesh as a means of creating conditions for Rohingya repatriation to Rakhine state.

He admitted it would, however, require the "authorisation and the cooperation of the parties to the conflict".

Citing the UNDP, Shafiqul yesterday wrote on his verified Facebook page that Rakhine is facing an acute humanitarian situation, and that Bangladesh has a stellar record in helping countries in times of distress, as exemplified by our aid to Myanmar following a recent devastating earthquake.

"Moreover, we are concerned that persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which we cannot afford.

"We also believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilise Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees to Myanmar."

He said that given the present conditions, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route. However, there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine.

"We are in touch with the parties concerned in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh."

As regards the reports of involvement of a major power, Shafiqul said, "These are pure and unadulterated propaganda. We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation hurled against Bangladesh in recent months, which still continues. This sort of propaganda is no different."

Adviser Touhid Hossain could not be reached yesterday for comments on the claim of Shafiqul.

Contacted, the foreign ministry's Public Diplomacy Wing said it could not give any clarification immediately.​