High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday categorically said the government did not discuss anything on giving a 'corridor' to Myanmar through Bangladesh with anyone and stressed that they will not even discuss it, reports UNB.
He said what they were talking to the United Nations is channelling aid -- food and medicine -- to Rakhine due to the humanitarian crisis there.
Any decision or consideration will be taken in consultation with all the stakeholders, said the National Security Adviser at a media briefing at a Foreign Service Academy.
Responding to a question, Rahman said they are not under pressure from any country, not even from the United States.
"We can't give anyone any free pass," he said, stressing the importance of Bangladesh's own interest.
Rahman said Bangladesh is taking a burden of over 1.2 million Rohingyas, and the country cannot accept any additional Rohingyas.
He said Bangladesh's focus remains on the repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
"It has to be sustainable repatriation. They have to go back. They have to stay there (in Myanmar)," Rahman added.
He also said there is no lack of coordination or understanding, and he works very closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Army.
Rahman highlighted that the 'corridor' issue and debate first emerged from a neighbouring county.
He said there were no serious efforts in the last seven years, and the interim government brought it to global focus again.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir were present at the media briefing.
Highlighting the needs of the Rohingya refugees, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller recently said cross-border 'assistance' can only work when individuals are safe on both sides of the border and when governments agree.
Comments