National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman stated on Wednesday that the proposal for a “humanitarian corridor” in Rakhine has not yet reached the stage of formal consideration. Addressing a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, he emphasised that any decision would require multilateral discussions if the matter comes under review.
Responding to queries about potential humanitarian access through Rakhine, Khalil remarked, “First, patients must reach hospitals for treatment. We haven’t even initiated discussions on that front.” He reiterated, “If negotiations begin — and I stress nothing has been agreed yet — we’ll consult all stakeholders before deciding.”
The adviser outlined multiple prerequisites: “We have our own security (safety and security) assessments. Potential routes must be evaluated — which roads to use, what other activities might occur there. This isn’t a unilateral decision; all parties must concur.”
Khalil warned of renewed Rohingya influx risks due to food and medicine shortages in conflict-ridden Rakhine, where the Arakan Army (AA) now controls 90% of the territory. He revealed parallel repatriation talks are ongoing with both AA and Myanmar’s junta, with 170,000 Rohingya already identity-verified for potential return.
The comments follow last month’s announcement by Foreign Adviser Tawhid Hossain and Khalil about Bangladesh’s “in-principle agreement” to a UN-proposed corridor for delivering aid to the Rohingya and other vulnerable groups. UN Secretary-General António Guterres had floated the idea during his Cox’s Bazar visit in March.
The interim government’s stance has drawn criticism from political parties like BNP, who condemn it as sovereignty infringement.