The interim government has categorically denied entering into any discussions with the United Nations or any foreign entity regarding a so-called "humanitarian corridor" through Cox’s Bazar into Myanmar’s Rakhine State, amid mounting public concern and political commentary over potential threats to national sovereignty.
In response to media speculation, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, via a Facebook post on Tuesday (29 April) stated that Bangladesh has not made any commitment regarding the creation of a humanitarian corridor.
However, the country remains open to providing logistical support if the UN initiates a formal humanitarian assistance programme for Rakhine, he added.
Citing United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assessments, officials acknowledged that Rakhine is experiencing an acute humanitarian crisis.
Bangladesh, known for its humanitarian contributions, had also extended aid to Myanmar following the recent earthquake.
Officials expressed concern that continued suffering in Rakhine could trigger further influxes of displaced people into Bangladesh—a burden the country is not in a position to bear.
It is believed that stabilising the situation through UN-supported relief efforts may foster conditions conducive to the eventual repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
Given the logistical challenges and geographic proximity, Bangladesh is, in principle, amenable to supporting the transport of aid to Rakhine.
Nevertheless, no final decision has been made, and discussions with relevant parties are ongoing. Authorities assured that internal consultations with domestic stakeholders will follow in due course.
As for allegations that the purported corridor is part of a geopolitical design by a major world power, the government dismissed them as “pure and unadulterated propaganda,” citing a continued onslaught of disinformation targeting Bangladesh in recent months.
