No Consensus on ‘Humanitarian Corridor’ for Rakhine, Says Adviser

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman stated today that Bangladesh has not consented to the establishment of any "humanitarian corridor" into Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine State, describing the term as "misleading" and "misused."

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has not discussed or agreed on any "humanitarian corridor" for Myanmar's Rakhine State, emphasizing that no agreement has been reached with any parties involved. He made these remarks during a seminar titled "Repatriation of Rohingya in Bangladesh: Strategic Implications on Regional Security and Ways Ahead," jointly organized by the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and the Armed Forces Division (AFD). Rahman clarified that even the UN Secretary-General did not use the term "humanitarian corridor," instead referring to a "humanitarian channel," which he noted is distinct in meaning.

He explained that for any humanitarian initiative to move forward, both parties must agree, mentioning that the Arakan Army had questioned how it could halt military actions while Myanmar's military continued airstrikes. Rahman added that discussions with Myanmar's government led to an agreement that Myanmar would refrain from airstrikes if the Arakan Army ceased ground operations, effectively creating a temporary pause in hostilities. He expressed that this pause, if maintained, could eventually lead to peace and facilitate the repatriation of refugees. However, he cautioned that peace would not be sustainable without the inclusion of Rohingyas in the evolving administration of Rakhine, pointing out that the leadership of the Arakan Army and United League of Arakan lacked Rohingya representation, a situation he deemed akin to ethnic cleansing.

Rahman further noted that Bangladesh has pressed for the inclusion of Rohingyas, selected by their community, in positions of authority within Rakhine, and is still awaiting a response. He also mentioned that Bangladesh has submitted six batches of Rohingya refugees for verification, with Myanmar providing a verified list of 180,000 refugees, committing to expedite the review of the remaining 150,000.