Dhaka, April 29, 2025 — Bangladesh is considering a United Nations proposal to establish a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State, amid growing international concern over the escalating crisis in the region. The corridor would facilitate the delivery of essential aid to civilians trapped by ongoing conflict and economic collapse.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently raised the issue during his visit to Dhaka, urging increased global assistance for Myanmar and calling for conditions that would enable the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. He stressed that any such initiative must have the consent and cooperation of all relevant parties.
In response, Chief Adviser to the caretaker government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, expressed Bangladesh’s openness to the idea but emphasized the need for strict conditions. Speaking with UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews, Yunus proposed the creation of a UN-monitored “safe zone” in Rakhine State to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access.
“The safety and dignity of those affected must be our top priority,” Yunus stated. “We welcome global efforts but insist that any corridor must be neutral, well-monitored, and not used for military or political gain.”
The crisis in Rakhine has worsened in recent months, with the UN Development Programme warning that more than two million people are at risk of starvation. Fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army has disrupted food supply chains and displaced thousands, making humanitarian access nearly impossible in many areas.
Bangladesh currently hosts over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled military crackdowns in 2017. Officials in Dhaka are increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress on repatriation and fear that continued instability in Rakhine could trigger a new wave of refugees.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain affirmed Bangladesh’s cautious approach: “We are willing to support humanitarian initiatives, but only if clear safeguards are in place. We must ensure the corridor does not become a channel for weapons, fighters, or instability.”
While the proposal remains under discussion, it reflects growing urgency from the international community to address the worsening humanitarian disaster in Myanmar and share the burden currently borne by neighboring Bangladesh.