Corridor discussions still ongoing despite govt denials, alleges BNP’s Khasru
He said people might think that the issue had been put to bed, but this was not the case
Highlights:
- Khasru criticises government's contradictory statements and secrecy on corridor issue
- BNP and Nagorik Oikya leaders warn against involving Bangladesh in a potential proxy war
- AB Party leader Manju calls for clarity and consensus on whether it's a corridor or a channel
- Speakers highlight Bangladesh's limited capacity to manage a corridor, citing past challenges
- Several leaders, including Khasru and Manna, demand national elections be held before December
Discussions regarding a "humanitarian corridor" are still ongoing, despite the government's claim that those have ended, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (31 May).
Khasru also expressed skepticism about the government's "inconsistent stance" on the matter.
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"The government first said that a policy decision on the corridor has been taken. Later, it is being said again that no decision has been taken on the issue and will not be taken," he said at a roundtable on "Bangladesh's Geopolitical Security: Perspectives on the Humanitarian Corridor" organised by the Centre for Governance and Security Analysis.
The BNP leader said people might think that the issue had been put to bed, but this was not the case.
He questioned the secrecy, stating, "I don't understand why there is so much secrecy in the whole matter."
Khasru also rejected the idea of a corridor for Rohingyas, emphasising legal returns and warning, "We will not go into any proxy war. Bangladesh can't afford it."
At the event, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, echoed concerns about Bangladesh's capacity. "If a corridor is provided, who will handle it? Can Bangladesh do it? I think it can't."
Manna suggested a "hidden agenda" behind the government's denials about the corridor issue.
Mujibur Rahman Manju of AB Party said, "The Chief Adviser must clarify whether it is a corridor or a channel. This is not a matter for unilateral decision-making — it requires collective consensus."
Gono Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and NCP Joint Member Secretary Advocate Humaira Nur also spoke.
Meanwhile, Both Khasru and Manna, along with other speakers, called for national elections before December.
"Only four or five unregistered parties – with no public support – do not want elections. Similar 'king's parties' had emerged during the 1/11 changeover," Khasru added.
