Bangladesh Army Chief Blocks Myanmar ‘Humanitarian Corridor,’ Demands Elections by December

Key Points

• Bangladesh Army Chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman has firmly rejected the proposed ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Myanmar, calling it a threat to national sovereignty.
• The Army accuses the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, of making critical decisions without military consultation.
• National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman insists there is no US pressure and denies any corridor discussions, clarifying aid talks are strictly with the UN for food and medicine delivery.
• The Army Chief has demanded national elections be held by December 2025, asserting only an elected government can decide on major national issues.
• The controversy reflects deepening political turmoil, with accusations of foreign influence and sharp divisions between the interim government and the military.

Dhaka: Bangladesh is witnessing a sharp escalation in political tensions as Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has publicly rejected the interim government’s proposal for a ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Myanmar, warning that such a move would undermine the country’s sovereignty. In a rare and strongly worded address to all army officers in Dhaka, Gen. Zaman declared, “no bloody corridor will be accepted,” sending a clear message to the interim leadership under Muhammad Yunus.

Army-Military Rift Over Corridor Proposal

The controversy began when reports emerged that Bangladesh might approve a corridor for humanitarian aid to Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Rakhine State, allegedly under US pressure. The interim government had initially indicated willingness to consider a safe passage for aid, but the Army Chief’s intervention has shifted the narrative. Gen. Zaman criticized the Yunus-led administration for keeping the military “in the dark” about critical decisions, including the corridor and other national security matters.

National Security Adviser Denies Corridor, US Pressure

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, whose own citizenship and loyalties have come under scrutiny, held a press conference to clarify the government’s stance. He insisted there have been no talks about granting a corridor to Myanmar and that the only ongoing discussions involve the UN, focused on delivering food and medicine to Rakhine. Rahman categorically denied any US pressure, stating, “We are not under pressure from any country, not even from the United States”. He also stressed that Bangladesh’s main priority remains the repatriation of Rohingya refugees and that any aid passage would be strictly managed by the UN, with Bangladesh securing its border.

Foreign Influence and Political Intrigue

The issue has fueled broader concerns about foreign interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Reports suggest that the US and UN have strategic interests in establishing the corridor, viewing it as a way to increase regional influence and counter China’s growing presence in Myanmar. The appointment of Khalilur Rahman, who has longstanding ties to the US, as NSA has further fueled suspicions of external influence in the interim government’s decisions.

Army Demands Elections, Warns Against Interim Overreach

General Zaman has made it clear that only an elected government should make decisions of national significance, including any agreement on corridors or foreign port operations. He has demanded that national elections be held by December 2025, warning that the military will not tolerate decisions that compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty or stability. The Army Chief’s remarks were met with applause from officers, highlighting strong institutional resistance to the interim government’s approach.

What’s Next?

The standoff between the military and the interim government has deepened Bangladesh’s ongoing political crisis. With the Army demanding a return to elected rule and warning against unilateral decisions by the unelected interim regime, the coming months are likely to see further political maneuvering and public debate over the country’s future direction.

Summary Table: Bangladesh Humanitarian Corridor Crisis

Bangladesh’s future course now hinges on whether the interim government heeds the Army’s demands for elections and refrains from controversial decisions until a new, elected leadership is in place.