Bangladesh will not engage in proxy war with Myanmar, says Security Advisor Khalilur

Amid the controversy and opposition over the humanitarian corridor to send emergency relief aid to Rakhine, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh will not engage in any proxy war with Myanmar.

He made the remarks at a seminar on Rohingya repatriation at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) in Dhaka on Sunday.

Khalilur, who is also the representative for the Rohingya issue and priority affairs, said: “If we were to wage a proxy war on behalf of America, who would be the victim? China.

“If China isn’t saying anything, why is disinformation rising from other places?”

Bangladesh’s eastern neighbour Myanmar has been wracked by a civil war between the military junta government and rebel forces since 2021.

In December 2024, the Arakan Army took over the entire Rakhine state adjacent to Bangladesh, while the military junta has only retained control of the state’s Kyaukphyu seaport.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report titled “Rakhine: A Famine in the Making” in November of the past year amid the intensity of the war in Rakhine.

The report mentioned that Rakhine is facing the threat of imminent famine, with local food production projected to meet only 20 percent of the population's needs by March-April 2025.

Rice production is rapidly declining as people avoid agricultural work due to shortages of seeds and fertilisers, bad weather, and displacement.

With trade nearly at a standstill, around two million people are now at risk of starvation.

The report also said while the territory of Rakhine is under the Arakan Army’s control, the only seaport providing access to the region is held by the Myanmar junta government, resulting in blockage of the entry of both domestic and international goods into Rakhine.

This situation was created due to the financial crisis of the people and massive inflation, as well as a significant decrease in both income and local food production.

Khalilur first proposed the idea of a “humanitarian corridor” on Apr 8, following UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Dhaka.

He noted Bangladesh’s role in the proposed humanitarian channel was first raised in discussions with Guterres in New York on Feb 7.

At a press conference, Khalilur said he had approached the UN secretary-general after consulting all key stakeholders—the Arakan Army, international organisations, and the Myanmar government.

About three weeks after his statement, Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain said the government had taken a “decision in principle” to provide a “humanitarian corridor”.

His statement has created a debate in the political arena, leading parties to oppose the interim government's decision without any discussion.

BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government's decision regarding the “humanitarian corridor” will threaten Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.

In the face of such opposition from political parties, the chief advisor's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the government had not discussed the “humanitarian corridor” with the United Nations or any other organisation.

The UN's Dhaka office said in a message that if the UN becomes involved in establishing a humanitarian aid corridor to Rakhine, it would require permission from both the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Later on Friday, Shafiqul told reporters in Chattogram: “We agree to the humanitarian corridor if UN takes the initiative.

“When the UN proceeds, it will consult all relevant parties—including the Myanmar government and us—before making any decisions.”

However, concerns have emerged over whether Bangladesh is becoming entangled in a “proxy” war in Myanmar through its role in facilitating a humanitarian corridor.

An article published by an Indian media outlet on the matter has drawn significant attention.

Khalilur dismissed these concerns as “rumours and misinformation,” rejecting the notion that Bangladesh is being drawn into Myanmar’s civil conflict.

He also said, “We have not reached any agreement on the humanitarian corridor with any party.