No discussion has been held with anyone about the corridor, nor will there be: Security Advisor

National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman said that no discussion has been held with anyone about the UN’s corridor proposal for humanitarian assistance in Rakhine and will not happen.

He made this statement at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday (May 21) afternoon.

Stating that the UN session will be held on September 30 on the Rohingya issue, Khalilur Rahman said, ‘Since 90 percent of Rakhine’s territory is occupied by the Arakan Army, discussions are being held with them in parallel with the junta government. The Arakan Army has also agreed in principle on repatriation. However, initiatives will be taken after the situation normalizes.’

He also said, ‘We have directly told the Arakan Army that we will not accept any kind of ethnic cleansing. As long as the situation in Arakan remains unstable, discussions on repatriation will not be possible.’

The National Security Advisor said, ‘I want to say in a toneless voice that there has been no discussion with anyone about the humanitarian corridor and there will be no discussion. Whether we will provide the humanitarian channel or not is our sovereign decision. There is no pressure on Bangladesh from America or China regarding the humanitarian channel. If the humanitarian channel is created, its entire responsibility will lie with the United Nations. Bangladesh will only provide security at the border.’

Regarding the allegations of dual citizenship, Khalilur Rahman said, ‘I do not have any other citizenship except Bangladesh. I have lived in the United States with my family. However, I do not have a passport there.’

‘If citizenship is acquired by being abroad, then the same can be said about BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. So it is better not to say such things,’ added the Security Advisor.