Bangladesh will consider moving forward with a China-proposed economic corridor linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and China only if the initiative aligns with the country's national interest, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a three-day South Asian Academy for International Leadership (SAAIL) 2026 programme in Cox's Bazar, Kabir said the government has welcomed the proposal and is evaluating its potential benefits.

"The Chinese president proposed the economic corridor during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China. We have taken the proposal positively and are examining how the corridor could be developed through Cox's Bazar, Myanmar and China," he said.

He stressed, however, that Bangladesh's participation would depend entirely on whether the project advances the country's strategic and economic interests.

"The government will not do anything that goes against Bangladesh's national interest," Kabir said.

According to The Business Standard, the proposed corridor would connect Bangladesh through Cox's Bazar with Myanmar and China, and the government is currently reviewing the initiative before making any policy decision.

Addressing the protracted Rohingya refugee crisis, Kabir said Bangladesh is continuing diplomatic efforts on both bilateral and multilateral fronts to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

"The government is working both bilaterally with Myanmar and multilaterally with major countries, including China, to ensure the Rohingyas can return in a dignified and sustainable manner," he said.

Kabir made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day SAAIL 2026 programme, organised by JCI Bangladesh under the leadership of its 2026 National President Arefeen Raafi Ahmed and the SAAIL 2026 organising committee. The event has brought together young leaders, JCI members, international delegates and participants from across South Asia.

Among those attending the opening session were 2026 JCI World President Alejandra Castillo, JCI India National President Bharat N. Acharya, JCI Nepal National President Senator Jeevan Karki, JCI Sri Lanka National President JC Sandun Weerasinghe, Member of Parliament Jasim Uddin of Cumilla-5, Rangs Group Chairman Alhaj Rafiqul Islam, and other prominent business leaders.

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