Staff Reporter :
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, clarified that while the Government of Bangladesh has been working to establish a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the UN is not involved in this process.
Speaking at a “DCAB Talk” organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday, Lewis said, “We welcome any initiative to support conflict-affected people and foster cross-border cooperation. The UN is ready to assist such efforts, but currently, there is no humanitarian corridor, and we are not part of any related discussions.”
She emphasised that establishing a humanitarian corridor is a formal and legal process requiring the consent of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, and possibly other stakeholders.
“A humanitarian corridor is a formal and legal matter that requires the official consent of two sovereign countries and, if necessary, any relevant third parties,” she said.
“If any agreement is signed in this regard, we are ready to offer our support; however, to the best of my knowledge, no such agreement has been reached yet,” the Resident Coordinator said.
Lewis noted that access to Rakhine remains difficult due to ongoing conflict and instability.
Although a memorandum of understanding exists between the Myanmar government, UNDP, and UNHCR, the UN’s operational presence in the region has significantly declined, with only a few staff and partners still active.
On the Rohingya crisis, she acknowledged the growing challenge in securing funds and reiterated that the displaced population wants to return home with dignity.
“But the current situation in Rakhine is neither safe nor conducive for return,” she said.
Addressing questions on Bangladesh’s political landscape, Lewis stated that decisions on elections or reforms must come from the people, government, and political parties of Bangladesh. “The UN has no role in determining when elections are held,” she affirmed.
She also clarified that inclusive elections, as per the UN’s definition, refer to the participation of all groups in society, not necessarily all political parties.
She also expressed support for the National Consensus Commission, calling its work “complex but vital” for ensuring free and fair elections.
DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.
