In response to rising political opposition and regional speculation, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s stance of non-intervention in Myanmar's civil conflict, dismissing allegations that Dhaka is being drawn into a “proxy war” under the guise of humanitarian aid.

Speaking at a seminar on Rohingya repatriation hosted by the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) on Sunday, Khalilur, who also serves as the country’s representative on Rohingya and priority affairs, clarified Bangladesh’s intent behind its proposal for a humanitarian corridor to Rakhine.

“If we were to wage a proxy war on behalf of America, who would be the victim? China,” he said. “If China isn’t saying anything, why is disinformation rising from other places?”

The statement comes amid heightened tensions over the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine, where a civil war between Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army has displaced thousands and crippled food production. A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report from November 2024 warned that the region is on the brink of famine, with only 20 percent of food needs projected to be met by April 2025.

Despite the gravity of the humanitarian emergency, Bangladesh’s recent announcement to support a UN-led humanitarian corridor to Rakhine has sparked domestic controversy. Opposition parties, including the BNP, have criticized the interim government for allegedly bypassing national consensus, with BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warning that the move could compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

In response, the chief advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam clarified that no formal agreement has been made. “We agree to the humanitarian corridor if the UN takes the initiative,” he said, adding that any such step would involve thorough consultation with both Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Bangladesh first floated the corridor proposal following discussions with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York in February. Khalilur confirmed he had consulted all key stakeholders, including the Arakan Army, international organisations, and Myanmar authorities, before raising the idea.

Analysts suggest that Bangladesh’s approach reflects a careful diplomatic balancing act. As tensions mount in Myanmar and regional powers like China and India closely monitor developments, Dhaka is attempting to manage its humanitarian obligations without compromising its neutral foreign policy.

“Bangladesh has consistently demonstrated a policy of peaceful regional engagement,” said a South Asian affairs analyst. “From hosting over a million Rohingya refugees to working with ASEAN, China, and the UN, its diplomacy has focused on stability and constructive solutions.”

Indeed, Bangladesh has strengthened ties with its neighbours in recent years, cooperating with China on Rohingya repatriation efforts while also maintaining communication with India, ASEAN, and other international partners. This multilateral approach has helped Dhaka avoid entanglement in the geopolitical rivalry playing out in Myanmar and across the Indo-Pacific region.

As the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine deepens, Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to upholding humanitarian principles without becoming entangled in regional conflict. “We have not reached any agreement on the humanitarian corridor with any party,” he said. “Our focus remains humanitarian, not military or political.”

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