Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh’s interim government has reversed its decision to support a UN-backed humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State after a sharp rebuke from Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who termed it a “bloody corridor”.
The general’s intervention came after Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain unilaterally announced Bangladesh’s support for the proposal, triggering concerns over national sovereignty and foreign influence, according to an India Today report.
Sources suggest Yunus’ camp had agreed to the corridor under US pressure, in a bid to retain power without holding elections.
However, General Zaman publicly warned that the army would not tolerate any move undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Zaman also advised Yunus to consult all political stakeholders on national security issues, including the controversial corridor plan, and called for early elections and non-interference in military matters.
Critics allege the project was part of a US plan to counter Chinese influence in the region.
Following the military’s intervention, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman — a key Yunus appointee — clarified that no formal talks had been held with the UN on the corridor and none were planned.
He said the UN merely inquired whether Bangladesh could assist in transporting aid to the Myanmar border, which the government said it would “consider”.
