Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus today dismissed claims that Bangladesh has provided a corridor to Rakhine state, labeling such assertions as false. ‘We’ve noticed that propaganda is being spread that Bangladesh has provided a corridor for Rakhine. I am saying clearly, this is a complete lie. This is the work of those who are constantly misleading the people of Bangladesh by creating untrue stories and unrest,’ Yunus stated during a televised address to the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Yunus urged the nation to remain vigilant against such propaganda and to not be misled. He reassured the public that, despite these claims, the government’s commitment to resolving the complex issue remains steadfast. Yunus highlighted that during UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit to Dhaka in March last year, a proposal for a relief channel to address the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State was discussed, which he clarified has not progressed beyond the proposal stage.
Yunus further elaborated that approximately 12 lakh Rohingyas are currently residing in Bangladesh, with about 100,000 arriving between September 2023 and September 2024 due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian distress in Rakhine State. He emphasized Bangladesh’s initiatives to halt the influx of Rohingya refugees and facilitate the repatriation of those already in the country.
The Chief Adviser expressed that upon taking office, the Rohingya issue was nearly forgotten on the international stage. However, his administration succeeded in bringing global attention back to the matter. Yunus announced that he called for an international conference on the Rohingya issue at the UN General Assembly last September, leading to an agreement among UN member states to hold a high-level international conference in New York, USA, this September.
Yunus also noted the significant progress made in building international public opinion for the Rohingya’s repatriation. During his visit to Bangladesh last March, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that repatriation to Myanmar is the only solution to the Rohingya crisis. Yunus also welcomed Myanmar’s first-ever list of 180,000 Rohingyas deemed eligible for repatriation, announced during discussions at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok last April.
Yunus confirmed ongoing formal and informal communications with the Myanmar government and insurgent groups to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingyas and the security of Bangladesh’s borders. He added that discussions have been held with state leaders and government representatives worldwide, who have shown positive responses to Bangladesh’s call for cooperation.