United News of Bangladesh

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. D8 calls for humanitarian corridor inside Gaza 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. Humanitarian corridors, from Syria to Ukraine "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.

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain has said the government is considering setting up a land port at Ghumdhum in Teknaf, keeping in mind the neighbouring Rakhine State of Myanmar. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the car and customs auction shed at Chattogram Port on Thursday, the shipping adviser said that despite the evolving situation in Myanmar, maintaining connectivity with the Rakhine State remains a priority for Bangladesh. Mongla Port will be developed as a center for regional trade: M. Sakhawat Hossain "The government is planning to set up a land port at Ghumdhum in Teknaf, considering Rakhine's strategic importance. Additionally, we are assessing whether Teknaf Land Port can be converted into a naval port," he said. He said the need for legal reforms to expedite the auctioning process of long-stalled goods at the Chattogram port was crucial, noting that bureaucratic complexities were hindering smooth operations. The government was evaluating the performance of several land ports, some of which were not generating revenue. "We are exploring the possibility of shutting down non-profitable land ports," he added. During his visit, a section of port workers, including members of the Nationalist Labour Party, protested against the proposed privatisation of the New Mooring Container Terminal and Patenga Container Terminal. In response, the shipping adviser assured that no agreements would be made that could harm national interests. Beximco’s closed factory won’t reopen: Adviser Sakhawat Earlier in the day, the shipping adviser visited Chattogram Port's Car Shed and Customs Auction Shed to inspect auctionable vehicles and goods. He instructed authorities to promptly remove auctionable items to free up port space and improve operational efficiency.

Myanmar has not taken a single Rohingya back home till date although the crisis enters the fourth year within a couple of days amid "lack of conducive conditions" in Rakhine required for a safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas, officials said.

The UN’s new Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar on Wednesday urged the government to cooperate with existing international justice mechanisms to ensure accountability for alleged international crimes.

India has said repatriation of Rohingyas in a quick, safe and sustainable manner will be good for all noting that it feels the necessity of Rohingya repatriation. 

Speakers at a programme here on Thursday urged the global community to play a stronger role for the sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine state of Myanmar.

Bangladesh and China on Thursday discussed ways for the “early repatriation” of Rohingyas, currently taking shelter in Cox’s Bazar district, to their place of origin in Rakhine State of Myanmar.