Dhaka denies signing deal on humanitarian corridor
Diplomatic Correspondent :
National Security Adviser and Chief Adviser’s High Representative on Rohingya Affairs, Dr. Khairul Rahman, has clarified that the Interim Government has not signed any agreement regarding the establishment of a humanitarian corridor under United Nations supervision for delivering aid to Myanmar’s conflict-stricken Rakhine State.
Dr. Rahman made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at a seminar titled “Repatriation of Rohingyas Sheltered in Bangladesh: Impact on Regional Security and the Future”, held at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) in the capital.
Also present at the event was Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain.
Addressing recent speculation surrounding the so-called humanitarian corridor in Rakhine, Dr. Rahman stressed that no such corridor currently exists, nor has any formal agreement been reached.
He distinguished between a “corridor” and a “channel” for aid delivery, stating: “It is not a humanitarian corridor. There have been discussions about channels for delivering humanitarian assistance, which is not the same thing.”
“If such a channel is to be established, it should be operated under the supervision of the United Nations, through which food and relief aid could be delivered,” he explained.
He further noted that some media outlets in neighbouring countries have been propagating unfounded claims that Bangladesh is engaging in a proxy war in Arakan on behalf of the United States – assertions he dismissed as baseless and harmful.
On the issue of citizenship, Dr. Rahman reiterated the government’s position, stating unequivocally: “The Rohingyas will never be granted Bangladeshi citizenship. If that were to happen, Bangladesh would become a dumping ground for neighbouring countries.”
Responding to questions from journalists, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain echoed support for the humanitarian channel in principle, stating: “We agree with the concept of a humanitarian passage.
However, we have conditions, which I prefer not to elaborate on at this stage. If those conditions are met, we are willing to cooperate, provided it is under UN supervision.”
On the broader issue of Rohingya repatriation, Hossain acknowledged the current challenges, citing ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, political instability, and the absence of guarantees around safety and citizenship.
“The prospect of repatriation appears increasingly unlikely under current circumstances. The Rohingyas fled persecution – can we, in good conscience, send them back without ensuring security and rights?” he posed.
He further emphasised that meaningful change within Myanmar – internationally recognised and sustainable – is essential for any lasting resolution. “This is a difficult, long-term process. It will not be possible without a unified approach.
The international community must not allow attention to drift from the Rohingya crisis amidst other global conflicts. A clear and actionable roadmap for repatriation is necessary.”
Rejecting any romanticised notions of Myanmar’s past governance, Hossain stated, “Myanmar has never truly experienced democracy. Even during Aung San Suu Kyi’s tenure, it functioned under a semi-military regime. What we are witnessing now is a full-scale civil war.”
He identified the military junta, the Arakan Army, and the National Unity Government (NUG) as the principal stakeholders currently operating in Myanmar. “Any lasting solution must include all three parties – particularly the Arakan Army, which now effectively controls Rakhine,” he said.
Criticising the initial overreliance on bilateral diplomacy in addressing the Rohingya crisis, the adviser conceded that such efforts have largely failed. “We cannot abandon diplomacy, but we must let go of the illusion that bilateral negotiations alone will yield results,” he remarked.
He concluded by reaffirming that any repatriation process must be voluntary and must ensure both security and full citizenship for the Rohingya population.