Bangladesh News Bangladesh Foreign Affairs

Highlights

• Govt has not discussed with anyone providing a corridor to Myanmar
• Bangladesh is under no pressure from the US or any other country
• The main goal remains the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar
• Engaging with all major powers — including the US and China
• Khalilur blames neighbouring country's media for propagating false reports

---

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman today (21 May) categorically said that the government did not engage in any discussions regarding a "humanitarian corridor" to Myanmar's Rakhine State, nor will it.

He said the government only discussed channelling aid to the conflict-stricken Myanmar state through the United Nations (UN).

"The UN secretary-general inquired about Bangladesh's ability to provide aid to Rakhine. Bangladesh has informed the Arakan Army, through the UN, that aid distribution must be impartial and not used for military purposes," the security adviser said during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

The issue of the humanitarian corridor for Myanmar's Rakhine State has sparked stringent criticism from political parties, including the BNP, netizens and geopolitical experts over security concerns.

BNP senior leader Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed, earlier this month, expressed concerns that Bangladesh could be drawn into a war due to the corridor without the consent of its people. Mubashar Hasan, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Oslo, speaking to The Business Standard last month, warned that such corridors often become home to criminal activity, foreign military presence.

The national security adviser's briefing came following the Chief Adviser's meeting with the chiefs of the three armed forces yesterday. The meeting, which discussed the country's security issues, were also attended by the home adviser and national security adviser Khalilur.

Speaking at today's briefing, Khalilur dismissed claims of a corridor being propagated from Bangladesh, attributing such reports to a neighbouring country's media. He also refuted allegations that Bangladesh is preparing for a proxy war on behalf of the US, labelling them as unrealistic and false.

Addressing a previous statement by the foreign affairs adviser, he clarified that the use of the word "corridor" was a "slip of the tongue" and was subsequently corrected.

The security adviser said, "A corridor is unnecessary; the immediate need is to deliver humanitarian aid. He clarified that no talks have taken place concerning a humanitarian corridor as such a concept, in this context, lacks existence."

Khalilur stressed that any consideration of such a matter would involve extensive deliberation with all stakeholders, not just the government, and that it has not yet reached that stage.

He asserted that if the Arakan Army pursues a policy of ethnic cleansing, Bangladesh will not engage in trade with them. Khalilur also highlighted that national security matters are not always subject to public diplomacy and full disclosure.

"Should a corridor be established, it would be entirely under UN control, while Bangladesh would focus on border control and avoiding conflict. There would be no consideration of a corridor if the Myanmar army does not cease its airstrikes," he said.

Addressing questions about coordination, Khalilur said there is no disagreement with the military on the Myanmar issue, affirming complete unity on the matter. He confirmed close collaboration with both the army chief and the foreign office.

He also asserted that Bangladesh is not under pressure from any nation, including the US, engaging in dialogue with all parties, including the US and China.

Repatriation of Rohingya

Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees, stressing that they would not accept a situation where returnees face renewed violence. He said 90% of the Arakan area is now under the control of the Arakan Army, with whom parallel discussions are underway. "The Arakan Army has assured Bangladesh that taking back the Rohingya is a principal position and they will do so once the situation improves."

He stressed that as long as the situation in Arakan remains unstable, talks on repatriation will not proceed, as no preconditions for return have been established there. Khalilur reaffirmed that the sole solution is the repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar, a stance supported by an international consensus, including the UN secretary-general. He stated that all options, including diplomatic and other efforts, will be on the table to resolve the issue.

Khalilur expressed concern over the severe food and medicine shortages in Myanmar's Rakhine State, citing a UNDP report indicating a dire humanitarian crisis. He warned that this could lead to a further influx of Rohingya into Bangladesh, stating that the country is already beyond its carrying capacity and cannot accept additional refugees. He also noted that people from other ethnic groups in Rakhine are arriving at the border due to the food crisis, potentially creating new challenges.

Khalilur added that Bangladesh has not observed any signs of Rohingya participation in the Arakan administration and does not desire any new ethnic cleansing. He questioned why Bangladesh would assist the Arakan Army if it intends to establish an apartheid state.

Addressing a personal question, Khalilur said he possesses only Bangladeshi citizenship and no other passport.


National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman today said Bangladesh is maintaining contacts with the Arakan Army due to practical necessity.

"Bangladesh has contacts with the Arakan Army due to practical necessity. At the same time, Bangladesh is maintaining contacts with the Myanmar government. It is necessary to keep in touch with all relevant actors with a view to resolve the Rohingya issues sustainably," he told a press briefing on the humanitarian channel issue in Rakhine at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon (21 May).

Replying to a question, Khalilur Rahman said the Bangladesh government realised the need for keeping contact with the Arakan Army when they took control over the Myanmar side of our border.

"It is Bangladesh's duty to protect its border and keep it peaceful. For this reason, Bangladesh decided to make informal contacts with the Arakan Army," he said.

"Bangladesh government has continued to engage them in the context of consideration of provision of humanitarian support, repatriation of the Rohingyas and the inclusion of the Rohingyas at all levels of the emerging governance and security structure in Rakhine," he said.

Responding to another query on Bangladesh's agreement to the UN's proposal for humanitarian assistance to Rakhine, the national security adviser said all the relevant parties need to agree on the provision of aid.

"Moreover, the Arakan Army needs to ensure that access of aid providers and recipients is not impeded, aid is not weaponised, and there are no armed activities," he added.

"Also, the Arakan Army needs to sincerely demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive society in Rakhine by including Rohingyas at all levels of Rakhine's governance and security structure. Otherwise, it will appear to the world as a picture of ethnic cleansing, which we will not accept. We are awaiting the Arakan Army's response," he noted.

On security risks in the provision of humanitarian aid, Dr Khalilur Rahman said giving aid in a conflicting situation might pose safety and security risks for the aid providers and recipients.

Prevalence of landmines and IEDs is another threat to safety and security, he said, adding that these issues need to be addressed ahead of coming to a decision for the provision of aid.

• Bangladesh’s chief adviser discusses deployment with Qatar leadership
• 6,000 Bangladeshi soldiers are already in service of Kuwait Armed Forces

DHAKA: Bangladesh is planning to send hundreds of soldiers to work for the Qatar Armed Forces, a government spokesperson said, following this week’s talks between the Qatari leadership and the head of the Bangladeshi interim government.

Bangladesh’s chief adviser, Prof. Mohammed Yunus, was in Doha from Monday to Friday to attend the Earthna Summit organized by the Qatar Foundation. On the sidelines of the summit, the Nobel-winning economist also held meetings with top Qatari officials.

Yunus discussed the deployment of Bangladeshi troops with Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s deputy prime minister and minister of state for defense affairs.

“An agreement was reached to send 725 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces on deputation to work with the Qatar Armed Forces,” Azad Majumder, deputy press secretary to the chief adviser, told Arab News on Friday.

“During the discussion, our National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman was also present. So, all our topmost responsible authorities held this discussion with Qatari authorities.”

As the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Yunus also oversees its defense portfolio. His caretaker administration assumed office in August last year, when former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country amid violent protests.

Talks between the Bangladeshi and Qatari armed forces will determine the structure of the team that will be dispatched from Bangladesh and identify areas where Qatar requires its expertise.
“It could be in sectors such as medical, infantry, engineering, etc. The details are still being worked out,” Majumder said.

“This is not a tough job for us, as Bangladesh already has this experience. For many years, Bangladesh has been sending soldiers to different UN missions. Bangladeshi armed forces members have also been serving in Kuwait for many years.”

Bangladeshi soldiers are known for contributing to UN peacekeeping missions, with more than 6,300 personnel currently deployed to 10 such operations worldwide.

Beyond these commitments, Bangladesh also engages non-UN international deployments, with its most prominent military presence being in Kuwait.

About 6,000 members of the Bangladesh Military Contingent are currently enlisted with the Kuwait Armed Forces, according to data from the Bangladeshi embassy in the Gulf state.

Kuwait has been recruiting soldiers from Bangladesh under a bilateral agreement with the Bangladeshi government since the end of the 1991 Gulf War.

Initially, they were deployed to conduct extensive land mine clearance operations, but their responsibilities have expanded over the years to include engineering, construction, medical support and logistical assistance.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called for deeper economic cooperation with Qatar, inviting Qatari investment across key sectors and offering an exclusive economic zone in Bangladesh dedicated to manufacturers from the kingdom, including defence equipment plants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed establishing new diplomatic missions in five strategic cities to strengthen trade, political ties, and support for Bangladeshi expatriates amid shifting geopolitical and economic realities.

The missions will be set up in Dublin (Ireland), Oslo (Norway), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Frankfurt (Germany), and São Paulo (Brazil), according to ministry sources.

Officials described the move as a strategic necessity in the context of Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and the evolving global order.

On 2 June, the ministry sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance seeking approval for the creation of new posts and resources to operationalise the missions.

The letter, signed by Assistant Secretary Abu Sumaiya, said a diplomatic presence in these key locations would not only open new economic opportunities but also solidify a future-oriented, multidimensional foreign policy.

For instance, the ministry noted that establishing an embassy in Ireland – a progressive, tech-driven country – could enhance access to IT, healthcare, and higher education sectors.

Norway was identified as a leading nation in global peace, climate finance, and human rights. A strategic partnership there could help Bangladesh gain a stronger voice in global development policy.

In Frankfurt, home to a large Bangladeshi diaspora and Europe's financial hub, the ministry plans to set up a consulate general. This would facilitate consular services and deepen Bangladesh's integration with German trade, investment, and export markets.

A mission in Argentina, a key regional power in Latin America, is expected to boost access for Bangladeshi exports, foster agricultural cooperation, and expand diplomatic presence in the Global South.

Though Bangladesh already has an embassy in Brasília, the lack of a mission in São Paulo – Brazil's commercial capital – has reportedly limited services to expatriates and hindered trade expansion.

The ministry said a permanent diplomatic mission enhances Bangladesh's geopolitical influence, strengthens the confidence of expatriates, and enables more effective representation of national interests in host countries' policy-making.

It added that such efforts also elevate Bangladesh's stature on the global stage and deepen its political, economic, and cultural ties with key regions.

Bangladesh currently maintains 84 diplomatic missions in 60 countries, according to official figures.

Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, but Dhaka has yet to give any decision on endorsing a proposal to form a Joint Working Group (JWG) to implement trilateral initiatives, diplomatic sources confirmed following a foreign secretary-level meeting held in Kunming, China, last Thursday.

Following the meeting, China proposed a joint press release to reflect the discussions. However, Bangladesh did not agree to the proposal. It was subsequently decided that China and Pakistan would issue separate statements. Bangladesh requested to review the drafts before publication and expressed disagreement with several points, most notably the proposal to form a JWG, says Prothom Alo.

Despite Bangladesh's reservations, China released its statement on Friday. Pakistan did not share its draft with Bangladesh before publishing.

Bangladeshi representatives at the meeting made it clear that the delegation did not have the authority to decide on forming a Joint Working Group. Any such decision would require approval from higher authorities in Dhaka.

Pakistan's statement referred to the Kunming talks as the "first meeting of the Bangladesh-China-Pakistan trilateral framework," prompting questions about whether a new alliance was being formed — or if China was attempting to initiate one. In response, Bangladeshi officials clarified that the country did not agree to form a JWG during the meeting. Discussions primarily explored possible areas of cooperation among the three countries, but no decision was made to establish a formal alliance.

Diplomatic sources stated that Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, who participated via video link, suggested that the JWG should operate at the joint secretary level and proposed hosting its first session in Islamabad. However, the proposal did not progress due to Bangladesh's lack of agreement.

China had extended the invitation to Bangladesh in mid-May. Officials in Dhaka were initially hesitant to attend the meeting, as China had not clearly outlined the purpose and objectives of the talks.

Several current and former diplomats believe that Bangladesh may have been better off declining the Kunming meeting altogether, citing continued uncertainty over the initiative's intent and implications.

The meeting was attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladesh's Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddiqui, and Pakistan's Additional Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch joined the meeting virtually.


Iran Embassy in Dhaka has expressed its deep appreciation to the government and people of Bangladesh for their strong expressions of solidarity following the recent escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.

In a statement issued today (26 June), the embassy said Iran is grateful for Bangladesh's firm condemnation of the "military aggression by the Zionist regime of Israel and its allies."

"We express our heartfelt gratitude to the friendly and brotherly people of Bangladesh for their invaluable support and solidarity," read the statement.

It added that the spontaneous support, expressions of sympathy and resolute stance taken by Bangladeshi citizens, intellectuals, civil society representatives and political leaders underscored the nation's unwavering commitment to justice, freedom and human conscience.

"This show of solidarity with the people of Iran reflects the national will to defend regional sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the statement.

The statement also noted that Bangladesh's support conveyed a strong message to the international community opposing "illegitimate aggression and the violation of international law."

Reaffirming Iran's position, the mission said, "Resistance against aggression is not only a legitimate right but also a moral and humanitarian obligation."

"We once again emphasise that in the face of violence, aggression, and expansionist policies, mutual solidarity among nations is of utmost importance," the statement said.

• Garment exports to the Kingdom surged 7.3% YOY in 2024-25
• Apparel producers see untapped potential for high-end fashion exports

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry is seeing growing demand in Saudi Arabia, industry leaders say, as they look to the Kingdom as a key market for expansion in the Gulf region.

The garment sector is a key driver of the Bangladeshi economy. The country is one of the largest garment exporters in the world, second only to China. The industry accounts for more than 80 percent of Bangladesh’s total foreign sales revenue.

The newest data from the Export Promotion Bureau shows that garment exports to Saudi Arabia were valued at $152 million in the fiscal year 2024–25, up by 7.3 percent year-on-year.

The upward trend reflects growing interest from Saudi buyers in Bangladeshi apparel, particularly items such as T-shirts and jeans, according to Akhter Hossain Apurbo, vice president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

“We have strong potential for increasing exports to the GCC region, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being the most significant markets,” he told Arab News.

Major European brands with retail outlets in Saudi Arabia place orders with Bangladeshi producers who deliver products directly to Saudi ports.

“We export to wholesale buyers and later on retailers sell these goods across the region,” Apurbo said. “Mostly Saudi locals are buying these Bangladeshi-made garments.”

Garment exports to Saudi Arabia have been growing consistently over the past few years. In the 2022–23 fiscal year, they were valued at $130 million — a major increase from the $84 million recorded in 2020-21, when production was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Saudi Arabia is a growing and potential market for our garment exporters as there is a captive market of about 3 million Bangladeshi migrants,” said Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

“Saudi citizens are also our target customers. Bangladesh makes world-class garment products and Saudis have good taste in clothing and they can afford it ... most of these buyers choose renowned European and American brands.”

Rubel sees significant untapped potential for high-end garment products and local Bangladeshi brands to enter the Saudi market.

“We have to focus on increasing exports to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, aiming to reduce our dependency on the EU and US markets. It’s the need of the hour,” he said.

“We need to focus on building our own brands (for the Middle Eastern market) besides producing clothes for internationally renowned brands. We have some competitive advantages as the goods will reach their destinations in a shorter time, with lower freight costs ... it will also help us increase product diversity.”