Dhaka Links Aid to Rohingya Representation in Rakhine Governance. Bangladesh has made it clear: humanitarian aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine State is conditional on Rohingya representation in the new governing structure under the Arakan Army, which now controls 80% of the region.
National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, after meeting with Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry on Monday evening, said, “Even if all parties agree, that doesn’t guarantee aid. There are deeper concerns. We want to see Rohingyas included in the leadership being formed in Arakan.”
Talks are ongoing between Bangladesh, the Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar junta, with the UN facilitating discussions over a proposed humanitarian aid corridor to stabilize Rakhine and pave the way for Rohingya repatriation. But consensus remains elusive.
Thousands of Rohingyas continue to flee Rakhine for Bangladesh due to famine-like conditions and reported abuses by the Arakan Army. Khalilur warned, “Those still in Rakhine must not face persecution or discrimination. Ethnic cleansing is unacceptable to us.”
He underscored Bangladesh’s firm stance: if the Arakan Army fails to include Rohingyas at all administrative levels, it will amount to ethnic cleansing. “Under no circumstances can we support this. Dialogue will be very difficult if they refuse.”
Asked if the AA responded, Khalilur replied, “Not yet. Once they do, we’ll assess it. The issue is black and white—either they support ethnic cleansing or they don’t. This is their test.”
Responding to concerns about engaging with a non-state actor, Khalilur affirmed Bangladesh’s sovereign right to pursue national interests. “We can talk to anyone we choose. Myanmar itself maintains contact with the AA, despite labelling them a terrorist group.”
With the AA now controlling the border zone across southeastern Bangladesh, Dhaka sees communication as essential. “If Myanmar regains control, we’ll deal with them as before.”
Khalilur noted that Bangladesh maintains ongoing cooperation with Myanmar on trade and the Rohingya issue, offering assistance even before formal requests.
Meanwhile, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said Pakistan was briefed on Bangladesh’s desire for regional peace during a phone call with Pakistani Deputy PM and FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar. When asked if India would receive the same message, Touhid replied, “If they ask, I’ll tell Delhi exactly the same. There’s nothing to hide.”
