Bangladesh Army Opposes Myanmar Corridor Amid Rising Tensions
A sharp divide has surfaced between the Bangladesh Army and the country’s interim government over a proposed humanitarian corridor into conflict-ridden Myanmar. The disagreement reflects broader tensions over national security, foreign policy, and the balance of civil-military authority during a politically volatile period.
Bangladesh Army Rejects Rakhine Corridor Plan
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has outright opposed the interim government’s plan to open a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Citing serious national security concerns, the army chief warned that such a move could expose the country to cross-border violence and destabilization.
He has also demanded that national elections be held in December as scheduled, implicitly criticizing the Yunus-led interim administration for overstepping its mandate. Sources indicate that the military leadership is particularly alarmed by the growing influence of the Arakan Army (AA), which currently controls significant territory along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
The army fears that opening a corridor could unintentionally enable militant movements, arms smuggling, and infiltration, thereby compromising national sovereignty.
Government Pushes for Humanitarian Aid
The interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has defended the corridor proposal, arguing that it is intended purely for humanitarian purposes. Officials claim the initiative aligns with international norms and obligations to assist war-affected civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine region, especially Rohingya populations.
However, critics within the military establishment view the move as diplomatically reckless and potentially damaging to Bangladesh’s border integrity. The army believes the decision should fall under national security prerogatives, not civil administration alone.
Arakan Army’s Role Fuels Military Concern
The backdrop to the disagreement is the deteriorating situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The Arakan Army, which is in open conflict with Myanmar’s ruling junta, has reportedly attacked Rohingya villages and taken control of key border towns.
This has heightened fears within the Bangladesh Army that any attempt to establish a humanitarian corridor might be exploited by armed factions. Intelligence reports suggest that clashes in the region could spill over into Bangladeshi territory if preventive measures are not maintained.
Civil-Military Rift Widens Ahead of Elections
The dispute over the Myanmar corridor is the latest episode in an emerging power struggle between the army and the interim government. With general elections expected later this year, the military’s call for a firm election timeline adds to the political uncertainty.
Observers warn that the standoff may further erode public confidence in transitional governance mechanisms. It also highlights the military’s intent to assert influence over national policy—especially in areas it considers vital to internal stability and border management.
Unless resolved through dialogue, the corridor issue could become a flashpoint with implications beyond Bangladesh’s borders.
