Consent of political parties needed for such a move
Recent reports citing policy-level sources suggested that Bangladesh had agreed in principle to a UN-supervised humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Rakhine State. The foreign adviser to the government appeared to confirm this in comments to the press. However, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on 29 April categorically refuted the claim, stating that no such decision has been made. However, the reports and accompanying statements have already sparked debate. The Business Standard spoke with experts to explore the challenges, opportunities, and concerns surrounding a potential corridor, as well as the broader Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh
Altaf Parvez
Researcher and Author
A significant development has drawn increased international attention to Bangladesh's southern frontier. The government is considering a UN-proposed "humanitarian corridor" for delivering emergency supplies to Rakhine (formerly Arakan) and this has already made international headlines.
But there remain some critical questions.
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Firstly, what is Bangladesh getting in exchange for offering this facility to Arakan? What are the conditions being set? To what extent is the political sphere in Bangladesh informed about these terms? These are pertinent concerns. It is also essential to involve Rohingya leadership in this process.
It is already evident that 80–90% of Arakan is currently under the control of the Arakan Army. Notably, the more control they gain, the more the influx of Rohingyas into Bangladesh continues — something clearly reflected in reports by Daily Samakal, which confirm that new arrivals occur daily.
In this context, the safety of Rohingyas in Arakan and the conditions for their repatriation should logically be Bangladesh's primary preconditions for permitting the humanitarian corridor. However, the sincerity with which the Arakan Army will agree to such terms remains questionable. There is significant anti-Rohingya sentiment among the Rakhine population.
Another crucial question is whether representatives from both Rakhine and Rohingya communities will be involved in the handover and distribution of humanitarian aid inside Arakan. The Bangladesh government must surely raise this issue with the United Nations. Handing over all relief supplies solely to the Rakhines would be unjust.
Moreover, transferring goods through such a corridor would also require the approval of the Naypyidaw government, since ensuring the corridor's security is imperative. Given the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, the presence of a third-party guarantor — someone acceptable to all sides in Myanmar — would be essential for the corridor's viability. Bangladesh and the United Nations must hold special consultations with China regarding this matter.
There are also serious security concerns. Even though it is being framed as a humanitarian corridor, it is closely related to Bangladesh's national security. Critical questions remain. Like, who will be in charge of the security of the corridor? Will it be Bangladesh or the UN or another nation? Will regional powers like India and China agree to a UN-managed presence in the Bay of Bengal? Will it be declared a no-fly zone? If someone violates these provisions, who will be held accountable? Until and unless these questions are addressed and all stakeholders agree on the terms, the initiative raises major security concerns for Bangladesh.
There may also be confusion surrounding whether the humanitarian corridor would be placed under a "no-fly zone" and whether its overall management would be entrusted to Bangladesh. These are all relevant issues.
Furthermore, the consent of Bangladesh's political parties is also needed for such a move. Although the current government is popular, it is an unelected and interim administration. An interstate corridor is an extremely sensitive matter, involving both military and security implications. Historically, "humanitarian aid" in conflict zones often ends up carrying military significance.
Therefore, unless Bangladesh's interests and security are firmly ensured, such a proposed initiative will not be sustainable in the long run. Given the current absence of a functioning parliament, any decisions regarding the corridor must be made in consultation with, and with the consensus of, the major political parties in the country.
Altaf Parvez is a researcher of South and Southeast Asian history and politics. TBS' Anonno Afroz spoke to him over the phone.
