No talks on 'humanitarian corridor': Shafiqul Alam

Amid growing discussions on “humanitarian corridor” to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar, the interim government on Tuesday categorically said they have not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the United Nations (UN) or any other entity.

"We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the UN or any other entity," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB while responding to a question.

He said the government position is that should there be a UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support.

According to UNDP, the Rakhine state is facing an acute humanitarian situation.

"Bangladesh has a stellar record of helping countries in times of distress, as exemplified by our aid to Myanmar following the recent devastating earthquake," Alam said.

Besides, the Press Secretary said, they are concerned that persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which they cannot afford.

"We also believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilize Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees back to Myanmar," he said.

Given the present conditions, Alam said, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route, he mentioned.

However, Alam said there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine.

"We are in touch with the concerned parties in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh," said the Press Secretary.

Regarding the reports of involvement of a major power, he said, these are "pure and unadulterated" propaganda.

"We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation hurled against Bangladesh in recent months, which is still continuing," said the Press Secretary, adding that this sort of propaganda is no different.