Decision of providing a corridor lacks political legitimacy, people’s mandate
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
Saimum Parvez
Researcher
The plan of providing a humanitarian corridor by the interim government of Bangladesh lacks political legitimacy and people's mandate.
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Any issue related to national security and sovereignty of a country, especially if it involves using and providing lands to foreign entities, irrespective of the purpose, is a matter of national security and should be approved by an elected parliament.
In absence of the parliament, the interim government of Bangladesh, should have at least discussed the issue with the political parties and relevant stakeholders to take a participatory approach.
The government's unilateral and somewhat abrupt decision-making is questionable and lacks political legitimacy.
In association and support of the international partners, the interim government should take a pragmatic and diplomatic approach that would allow peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Dr Saimum Parvez is a Senior Researcher at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society.
