National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday categorically denied any plans by the Government of Bangladesh to allow a “corridor” through its territory for Myanmar. He dismissed widespread rumours circulating in the media and social platforms, asserting that no such discussion has taken place with any party, including international bodies like the United Nations.
“I want to say it unequivocally — we have not talked to anyone about the corridor, and we will not talk to anyone,” said Dr Khalilur Rahman, while addressing a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Dr Rahman clarified that the concept of a “corridor” typically refers to emergency humanitarian access for evacuation from disaster zones. “There is no such situation in Arakan now that requires a corridor. What is needed is the delivery of humanitarian aid,” he said.
The Adviser said that although the UN has expressed interest in delivering relief to Rakhine through its partner organizations due to limited access via other routes, this should not be misunderstood as a proposal for a corridor. “If you ask the UN, you will get proof. We have not discussed, and we will not discuss, a corridor,” he reiterated.
Highlighting Bangladesh's past humanitarian actions, Dr Rahman noted the country’s prompt aid response after the earthquake in Myanmar. “We did not wait for a request. We sent relief immediately. This is our humanitarian stance.”
The Adviser warned that the ongoing food and medicine crisis in Rakhine, as reported by the UNDP, could drive desperate communities, especially the Rohingya, to cross into Bangladesh. “We are concerned. We want to avoid a new humanitarian crisis at our borders.”
He revealed that in a February meeting with a special envoy of the Myanmar junta, Myanmar had verified 250,000 Rohingya for repatriation, identifying 180,000 as eligible to return. "All options for Rohingya repatriation will be on our table. We will solve this problem with all our diplomatic capabilities." he said.
A UN conference scheduled for September 30 at the UN Secretariat will further address the repatriation process, which Dhaka sees as an urgent and necessary step.
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