UN corridor plan fuels sovereignty debate in Dhaka

Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :

With no tangible progress in Rohingya repatriation and worsening humanitarian conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, a United Nations proposal to establish a humanitarian corridor through Bangladesh has stirred political debate, public concern, and strategic apprehension.

According to diplomatic sources, the UN has requested Bangladesh’s support in facilitating a corridor to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance – such as food and medicine – to civilians in Rakhine who are facing acute shortages due to ongoing conflict and displacement.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that Bangladesh has agreed to the proposal in principle, subject to several undisclosed conditions. However, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no formal discussions have yet been held with the UN on this matter. He added that, should the UN seek to send relief, Bangladesh is prepared to offer logistical support, provided necessary conditions are met.

According to officials, these conditions may include the establishment of a secure and neutral environment in Rakhine, equitable and unconditional distribution of aid, and comprehensive international monitoring to ensure transparency and neutrality.

Nevertheless, the proposal has ignited controversy within the country’s political arena. Opposition leaders and civil society actors have voiced serious reservations over the government’s handling of the issue, warning against unilateral decision-making in matters that touch upon national sovereignty and long-term strategic interests.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently cautioned that decisions of such magnitude should be made in consultation with all major political stakeholders. “The government should not take unilateral decisions when it involves international corridors and potential long-term implications,” he told reporters.

Echoing similar concerns, the Gonosonghoti Andolon criticised the government’s apparent readiness to greenlight the corridor without broader political consultation. In a statement, the party said the matter is “too sensitive and strategic” to be addressed without national consensus.

At the same time, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have acknowledged that executing the proposed plan would be logistically and politically challenging. Both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army – currently locked in active conflict – would need to approve the passage of aid, an outcome considered highly improbable under current conditions.

A spokesperson for the UN office in Bangladesh confirmed that the involvement of both Bangladesh and Myanmar is essential for any cross-border humanitarian initiative. “Under international law, the UN must obtain permission from concerned governments for cross-border aid delivery. Without such permission, our direct engagement remains limited,” the spokesperson said.

International relations expert Professor Amena Mohsin stressed the geopolitical complexity of the proposed corridor, citing the involvement of regional powers with vested interests. “The UN has proposed a humanitarian corridor, but regional players such as China and India have strategic stakes in Rakhine. Any decision must carefully factor in their positions,” she told The New Nation on Wednesday.

She also noted the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar and the lack of clarity regarding who would control the aid distribution process. “While the government has agreed in principle, the region remains volatile. Multiple insurgent groups are active, and the conflict shows no signs of abating. There is no certainty about when peace will return or how this corridor would operate in practice,” she said.

Professor Mohsin further emphasised the need for inclusive political dialogue. “Given the national implications, it is vital that the interim government engages with all political parties to build a consensus,” she added.

Locally, concerns are mounting. The prolonged presence of over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char has already strained Bangladesh’s resources, led to environmental degradation, and contributed to a deteriorating law and order situation. New arrivals continue to cross the porous border to escape violence and dire living conditions in Myanmar, compounding the crisis.

Critics warn that if the proposed corridor is perceived as favouring any armed faction, such as the Arakan Army, it could invite retaliatory action from the Myanmar military and increase security risks for Bangladesh.

The humanitarian situation in Rakhine remains critical. Thousands are reportedly without access to food, medicine, or shelter, prompting fears among aid agencies of an impending disaster if international assistance is not delivered soon.

Caught between humanitarian obligations and national interests, Bangladesh is now under renewed international and domestic pressure to navigate the Rohingya crisis and the proposed humanitarian corridor with caution, diplomacy, and transparency.