Deeply concerned by the interim government’s plans for a “humanitarian corridor” from the Chittagong Hill Tracts to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the BNP plans to launch initiatives with all political parties to resist the move, describing it as a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
BNP leaders said they would either send a letter to the government or dispatch a delegation to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to learn more about the corridor, reports UNB.
The BNP leaders said their party’s standing committee, at its meeting yesterday (28 April), discussed the matter in detail with serious concerns.
BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “We are not fully aware of the matter yet. From media reports, we have learned that the government has unilaterally taken such an important decision without any discussion with the people or political parties.”
Mosharraf said they have heard that the government plans to allow the corridor on humanitarian grounds, with certain conditions. “But we do not know what those conditions are.”
The BNP leader urged the government to clearly inform the nation about the decision and the specific conditions involved.
“We, too, are gathering relevant information and evidence on the issue. We will also discuss it with relevant experts and stakeholders. Once we have done so, our party will announce its formal position,” he said.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed astonishment over the interim government’s decision, saying, “If this decision is implemented, it will jeopardise Bangladesh’s security, peace, stability, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.”
Salahuddin cautioned that any move which could potentially trigger military conflict with any party in Myanmar and would pose a grave risk to Bangladesh.
“So, such a sensitive decision must be taken with the utmost caution, based on consensus and only after discussions with all political parties and social forces,” he added.
In response to a query, Salahuddin said, “We will ask the government whether any discussions were held with the United Nations or any other party regarding the humanitarian corridor. If so, what were the conditions? Why was this decision taken? Once we hear the government’s explanation, we will determine our next course of action.”