Yunus dismisses ‘humanitarian corridor’ claim as utter falsehood

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has categorically dismissed reports that Bangladesh is facilitating a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State, calling them “an utter falsehood".

In a national address ahead of Eid-ul-Azha on Friday, the interim government head said UN Secretary-General António Guterres had proposed humanitarian aid access to the war-torn region during his visit to Bangladesh, but the idea never progressed beyond initial discussions.

“We have noticed that misinformation is being spread about Bangladesh opening a corridor into Rakhine. Let me be very clear: this is an utter falsehood,” Yunus said.

He blamed a section of actors for deliberately misleading the public with fabricated stories aimed at causing unrest.

“You should be careful. Do not be misled in any way. We will not deviate from our objective. We will continue working to resolve this complex crisis.”

Yunus noted that Bangladesh is currently sheltering around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, including some 100,000 who crossed the border between 2023 and September 2024 during renewed conflict in Rakhine.

“Many are still trying to enter due to the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis. We’ve taken measures to prevent further influx and to initiate repatriation of those already here.”

When his government took office, the interim prime minister said the Rohingya issue had all but disappeared from the global agenda.

“We brought it back to the world’s attention. I called for an international conference on the Rohingya crisis during the UN General Assembly last September. I’m pleased to inform you that all UN member states have agreed to organise a high-level conference in New York this coming September.”

Yunus also cited progress in international consensus-building.

“During his visit in March, the UN secretary-general clearly stated that repatriation to Myanmar is the only viable solution to the Rohingya crisis.”

One of the most significant developments, Yunus added, was Myanmar’s announcement of a list of Rohingya eligible for repatriation.

“For the first time, during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok last April, the Myanmar government declared that 180,000 Rohingyas are eligible to return.”

Regarding Bangladesh’s outreach efforts, Yunus said the interim government has engaged both formal and informal channels with Myanmar, including dialogue with rebel groups.

“In all the countries we’ve visited, we’ve raised the Rohingya issue with state leaders and government officials and sought their cooperation. The response has been positive.”