Bangladesh has expressed support for a proposed Bangladesh-China-Myanmar economic corridor, but says the initiative cannot move forward without resolving the Rohingya crisis and ensuring regional stability.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the proposed corridor could create a new connectivity route between South Asia and Southeast Asia, boosting trade, economic cooperation and the movement of goods and people.

Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday, Kobir said the government viewed the proposal positively but stressed that the situation in the region must be carefully considered before implementation.

He made the remarks after seeing off Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee, who concluded his visit to Bangladesh.

According to Daily Banik Barta, Kobir identified the Rohingya crisis as a major concern surrounding the proposed initiative, stressing that lasting regional stability would be essential to establishing the corridor.

Meanwhile, responding to questions about the possible return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, Kobir said Bangladesh wanted her back through a formal handover rather than allowing her to enter the country using a passport.

He accused Hasina of responsibility for the deaths of thousands of people during her time in power, describing her as a fugitive criminal and a terrorist.

Kobir also pointed to the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India, saying the agreement provides a legal framework for handing over individuals accused of criminal activities and terrorism.

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