Govt says 'humanitarian corridor' to Rakhine not discussed with UN yet, will consult stakeholders in due time
“Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route. However, there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine,” says the chief adviser’s press secretary
Amid growing discussions on a so-called "humanitarian corridor" to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar, the interim government said today (29 April) that it has not discussed the corridor with the United Nations (UN) or any other entity.
"We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed the so-called 'humanitarian corridor' with the UN or any other entity," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said in a post on Facebook clarifying the government's stance.
"Our position is that should there be a UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support," he added.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He continued, "Given the present conditions, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh. Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route."
"However, there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine. We are in touch with the concerned parties in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh," Shafiqul said.
His clarification came as reports are circulating about a UN "humanitarian corridor" to Rakhine through Cox's Bazar, which led various quarters to express concerns that it is part of a geopolitical design of a major world power and will affect Bangladesh's security and sovereignty.
The concerns arose after Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, several days ago, said that the government has agreed in principle, subject to conditions, to the UN proposal to establish the corridor through Bangladesh to send aid to Rakhine.
In response, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday (28 April) said the government should have consulted with all political parties before agreeing in principle to the corridor proposal.
"We do not want to become another Gaza…We do not want to get involved in another war. We do not want anyone to come here and create more trouble for us. We are already in a serious problem with the Rohingyas. So, we [BNP] think there should have been a discussion in this regard before deciding on the passage," he said.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday and Hefazat-e-Islam today also protested the reported decision taken by the government.
Conversations regarding the corridor grew louder after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, during his four-day visit to Bangladesh last month, revealed that he had discussed with Bangladeshi authorities the possibility of sending humanitarian aid into Myanmar through Bangladesh.
He noted that this approach could support the repatriation of the Rohingya to Rakhine. However, the UN chief acknowledged that it would depend on obtaining the "authorisation and the cooperation of the parties to the conflict."
Earlier this month, while addressing the Sixth BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had also said, "Given the recent developments in Rakhaine State, amidst the warning of UNDP of an impending famine in Rakhaine, a humanitarian channel in Rakhine may be established for the supply of basic necessities to the people to stop further displacement from Rakhine."
In his statement, Shafiqul Alam said that according to the UNDP, the Rakhine state is facing an acute humanitarian situation. "Bangladesh has a stellar record to help countries in times of distress, as exemplified by our aid to Myanmar following recent devastating earthquake."
"Moreover, we are concerned that persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which we cannot afford," he said.
"We also believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilise Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees back to Myanmar," he added.
The press secretary also said, "As regards the reports of involvement of a major power, these are pure and unadulterated propaganda.
"We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation hurled against Bangladesh in recent months, which is still continuing. This sort of propaganda is no different."
