Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A significant rift has emerged in Bangladesh, with the nation's Army firmly pushing back against the interim government's proposal to create a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar's conflict-ravaged Rakhine province. The military's top brass is sounding the alarm, citing serious concerns that such a move could jeopardize Bangladesh's national security and sovereignty.
The Army's unequivocal stance was made clear during a press briefing in Dhaka on Monday. Spokesperson Lt. Col. Shafiqul Islam didn't mince words, stating, "The Army will not compromise on issues related to the corridor, national security, and national sovereignty," as reported by The Hindu. He emphasized that while the Army has been working with various groups for the country's good since August 5, 2024, it will stand firm against any decision that could put Bangladesh's sovereignty at risk.
This firm stance wasn't out of the blue. It echoes strong concerns previously voiced by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman during a meeting with commanding officers on May 21. General Zaman had not only opposed the humanitarian corridor but also stressed the urgent need for general elections by December. He warned that the proposed corridor, intended to link Bangladesh’s Chittagong region with Myanmar’s Rakhine province, could inadvertently empower non-state armed groups like the Arakan Army, which has a notorious reputation for drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The General also reportedly criticized the interim government for making such critical decisions without properly consulting the armed forces.
Meanwhile, on the government's side, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman defended the humanitarian corridor initiative. He denied any external pressure from countries like the U.S. or China to establish the route. Rahman asserted that ongoing discussions with the United Nations are focused on ensuring that any aid delivered through the corridor is strictly impartial, purely humanitarian, and does not end up benefiting any armed factions involved in the conflict.
The controversial plan isn't just facing military opposition; political parties have also waded into the debate. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reportedly thrown its weight behind the Army's position, with senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chaudhury praising General Zaman’s call for timely elections.
In a related move to shore up its frontiers, officials from the interim government have also announced long-term plans to fence the entire Bangladesh-Myanmar border within the next ten years, aiming to significantly bolster security along this volatile stretch.
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