Dhaka, 21 May 2025—Bangladesh’s interim government has withdrawn from a proposal to establish a humanitarian relief corridor through the country to deliver aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The decision comes amid growing domestic political opposition and rising regional tensions.

The Proposed Corridor: Background and Controversy
In late April of this year, the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus expressed sympathy toward a UN proposal. The proposal aimed to open a humanitarian corridor through Bangladeshi territory to deliver food and medicine to the conflict-affected Rakhine state in Myanmar.

However, the initiative sparked intense reactions in domestic politics. Opposition parties, including the BNP and other major groups, argued that such a crucial decision should be made through an elected parliament. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated that any decision concerning national sovereignty must be based on political consensus.

Government’s Clarification and Policy Shift
On May 21, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s high representative, clarified the government’s position. He stated that there have been no discussions on providing a corridor to Myanmar, nor is there any such plan for the future. He added that discussions with the United Nations are limited solely to sending humanitarian aid to Rakhine state, not about constructing a corridor.

Protests and Political Pressure
Protests against the corridor proposal spread across Bangladesh. Political parties and civil society jointly demanded that an unelected, non-political government has no right to make such decisions.

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the interim government has been navigating political uncertainty. It faces mounting pressure to announce a roadmap for credible national elections and to avoid divisive decisions.