Bangladesh army, interim government clash over Myanmar humanitarian corridor

The BNP reportedly supports the Army’s stance, with senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chaudhury hailing General Zaman’s call for elections.

The Bangladesh Army has strongly opposed the interim government’s plan to establish a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Rakhine province, citing significant concerns over national security and sovereignty.

During a press briefing in Dhaka on Monday, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Shafiqul Islam stated that the military would not compromise on issues related to the corridor.

“The Army will not compromise on issues related to the corridor, national security, and national sovereignty,” he said, as per a report by The Hindu.

Lt. Col. Islam added that since August 5, 2024, the Army has coordinated with various stakeholders for the country’s welfare but remains firm against any decision that could threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty, states the report.

Notably, Islam's statement follows comments from Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who had expressed similar concerns in a meeting with commanding officers on May 21.

General Zaman stressed the need for general elections by December and opposed the humanitarian corridor plan. He had warned that the corridor, linking Bangladesh’s Chittagong region with Myanmar’s Rakhine province, could empower non-state armed groups like the Arakan Army, known for drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The general also slammed the interim government for making critical decisions without consulting the armed forces.

The interim government’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, meanwhile, defended the corridor plan, denying any external pressure from countries such as the U.S. or China.

According to him, discussions with the United Nations have been focused on ensuring that aid delivered through the corridor is impartial and strictly humanitarian, without benefiting any armed factions.

The corridor plan has faced criticism from political parties as well.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) reportedly supports the Army’s stance, with senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chaudhury hailing General Zaman’s call for elections.

The interim government officials have, in the meantime, announced plans to fence the entire Bangladesh-Myanmar border within the next decade to bolster security.