Govt-army discord over aid channel to Rakhine refuted

No contradiction is there between the interim government and the army on the issue of establishing humanitarian channel from Bangladesh to Myanmar's Rakhine state, says the National Security Adviser.

"This is completely a rumour. We have no difference of opinion with the army on this issue. I have detailed discussions with the army chief on Myanmar issue. We are absolutely on the same page," Dr Khalilur Rahman said at a press conference Wednesday -- close on the heels of a government-military conclave on the matter.

He categorically said the government had never discussed the issue of providing humanitarian corridor to the strife-stricken Myanmar state with anybody or any agency and will not do so.

"I am saying it very clearly that we have not discussed the corridor issue with anyone and will not do so. Given the situation in Rakhine, there is no need for corridor."

He told reporters that the corridor issue was propagated by a section of media of a neighbouring country, but to Bangladesh government, it is a non-existent issue.

"Many said why did not discuss this with others but how can we discuss an issue which does not exist?" The NSA asked.

About the allegations that he holds US nationality, the security adviser said he has only single citizenship, and that is of Bangladesh.

"I have stayed with my family in the US before coming here but I have no American passport. I have no other passport except that of Bangladesh. I have no other nationality apart from that of Bangladesh," he said in the rebuttal.

"If only for my long stay in the USA, a quarter labels me as foreign national, then same allegation may be raised tomorrow about Mr Tarique Rahman. If someone throws stone at me, that stone can affect anybody else," he argued.

"So I am appealing to all to be sensible while making any remark," he said, urging all to eschew 'false allegations'.

"Go to court and prove that your allegations are right. As a citizen of the country, I have certain rights and if you do not show respect to that right, it will be very unfortunate," the security adviser said in an emotion-choked voice.

Asked about the current status of Bangladesh's involvement in humanitarian assistance in Rakhine, he said the question of humanitarian support arose when Bangladesh authorities learned about an acute humanitarian crisis it was facing. The UNDP predicted impending famine-like conditions. Bangladesh was concerned that this situation would drive more people from Rakhine into Bangladesh.

"Already, Bangladesh is shouldering the burden of sheltering over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar and cannot simply afford another wave of refugees. It's already a big burden on Bangladesh."

He mentioned that given such a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rakhine, the UN and Bangladesh began consideration of the provision of humanitarian support.

"Since all other aid-delivery avenues are unviable due to conflict, Bangladesh turned out to be the only feasible option. It was thought that the UN would organise distribution of aid through its channels within Rakhine and Bangladesh would provide logistical support to transfer aid across Bangladesh-Myanmar border," he explains the exigency.

Additionally, Bangladesh considered that aid to Rakhine would help stabilise the state and pave the way for creating enabling conditions for the return of the Rohingyas.

The NSA makes it clear that there has been no agreement on the provision of aid to Rakhine yet as it would require consent of all relevant parties and satisfaction of a number of prerequisites for aid provision which are common in other cases of humanitarian support around the world.

These include, among others, unimpeded access of aid providers and recipients, non-discrimination in the provision of aid, non-weaponisation of assistance and suspension of armed activities.

About government's communications with the Arakan Army and the Myanmar government, he said Bangladesh government realised the need for keeping contact with the Arakan Army when they took control over the Myanmar side of Bangladesh's 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 told the press.

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.

"Bangladesh's contact with the Arakan Army is 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 sustainably resolving the Rohingya issue."

He also points out that the aid channeling may start only after meeting certain conditions.

"To begin with, 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. 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 Arakan Army's response."

Asked about the security risks in the provision of humanitarian aid, he said giving aid in a conflict situation poses safety and security risks to the aid providers and recipients. Prevalence of landmines and IEDs is another threat to safety and security.

These issues need to be addressed ahead of the provision of aid.

Asked about the position of regional countries regarding the UN humanitarian assistance to Rakhine, he said saving lives from an impending humanitarian disaster is a collective responsibility of the global community.

"All of parties need to join efforts to tackle this problem. Stability in Rakhine is Bangladesh's priority. Hardly any progress can be made towards repatriation without achieving it."

He said Bangladesh is coordinating with the relevant actors to prevent another wave of refugees into Bangladesh. In particular, Bangladesh government has signalled to the Arakan Army that they must ensure there is no further violence, discrimination and displacement of Rohingyas inside Rakhine.

"They have the responsibility to observe international law, including international humanitarian law. And the world is watching. Bangladesh's continued contacts with them will depend upon their action in this area, as well as on Rohingya representation."

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com