Latest news with #Bangladesh-Myanmar
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First Post
18 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladesh's sovereignty at stake: Humanitarian corridors or geopolitical Trojan Horses?
As Bangladesh grapples with Myanmar's enduring humanitarian crisis, the recent proposal for a United Nations-backed humanitarian corridor connecting Chittagong with Myanmar's Rakhine State, while outwardly noble, poses significant risks to national sovereignty and regional stability. These corridors, historically depicted as lifelines, often bear the subtle marks of strategic intervention, geopolitical exploitation, and foreign intelligence operations. In March 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres proposed establishing a humanitarian corridor from Bangladesh's critical port city of Chittagong into Myanmar's violence-ridden Rakhine State. This corridor aims to deliver aid to over two million displaced persons suffering under famine conditions. Bangladesh's interim government, currently led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, linked corridor approval directly to Rohingya refugee repatriation—a political quid pro quo potentially fraught with security risks. Yet, despite assurances, the corridor's broader implications remain troublingly unaddressed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Geopolitical precedent consistently demonstrates the vulnerabilities inherent in such humanitarian corridors. Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan offer stark illustrations: humanitarian routes became pipelines for foreign military equipment, intelligence operations, and covert proxy support. The Chittagong corridor risks mirroring these patterns, transforming a vital economic hub and strategic port into an intelligence foothold or even a forward operating base for foreign powers. Already, credible intelligence indicates that external powers are manoeuvring along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border region. Reports allege U.S. intentions to leverage humanitarian channels in support of anti-junta groups such as the Arakan Army (AA), including drone operations based near Cox's Bazar. Such actions align closely with Washington's broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to counter Chinese regional influence. Conversely, China's recent joint military exercises with Bangladesh, dubbed 'Golden Friendship-2024', similarly hint at strategic positioning disguised as regional cooperation. These manoeuvres risk drawing Bangladesh into unwanted great-power rivalries, further destabilising an already volatile region. Compounding these threats is the alarming influence of non-state actors. The AA now exerts significant control over a 271-kilometre stretch of Bangladesh's border with Rakhine. Local reports from Bandarban reveal frequent armed AA movements, sometimes seemingly with tacit official tolerance. Should a humanitarian corridor materialise without stringent oversight, there's a genuine risk it would be hijacked to facilitate arms trafficking and insurgent financing, intensifying cross-border conflict and inviting retaliatory actions from Myanmar's junta. Equally concerning is the role of international NGOs, some of which have previously come under suspicion. Dhaka has intensified scrutiny of NGOs after credible allegations emerged regarding espionage and anti-repatriation activism disguised as humanitarian activities. The potential exploitation of humanitarian access by NGOs for espionage purposes is a documented reality elsewhere and must not be underestimated here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, domestically, Bangladesh's interim government faces growing criticism over its unilateral handling of border security policy. Decisions regarding the humanitarian corridor appear to be detached from military counsel, exacerbating civilian-military tensions and creating exploitable vulnerabilities. The disastrous 2025 BDR massacre exposed critical institutional weaknesses within Bangladesh's security apparatus, revealing precisely how foreign actors might exploit internal fractures. Regional reactions further complicate the scenario. India has strengthened its border surveillance with Bangladesh due to legitimate fears of insurgency spillover and refugee inflows. Yet, ASEAN's continued paralysis regarding Myanmar's crisis leaves Bangladesh increasingly isolated, forcing it into risky unilateral actions. The UN's humanitarian initiative, though well-intentioned, conspicuously lacks safeguards to prevent the corridor's misuse. Without these measures, Bangladesh risks being perceived—rightly or wrongly—as aligning with specific geopolitical agendas, further undermining its diplomatic independence and national sovereignty. Historical lessons offer grim caution. Humanitarian corridors have repeatedly been exploited as instruments of geopolitical manipulation. In Syria and Afghanistan, these corridors turned into conduits for arms trafficking, proxy warfare, and covert foreign bases. The Balkan refugee crisis vividly illustrated how corridors fractured sovereign control, fostering human trafficking and smuggling networks. Such outcomes must compel Bangladesh to reconsider the operational parameters of the corridors rigorously. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. Genuine humanitarian needs in Myanmar must be addressed, but never at the cost of sovereignty or regional stability. Dhaka must demand ironclad international guarantees, including UN-monitored aid operations, binding agreements that prohibit foreign military assets or intelligence activities, and strict oversight of NGO involvement. Simultaneously, a transparent, inclusive national policy debate involving military, civilian leadership, and civil society stakeholders is essential to protect sovereignty, border integrity, and long-term stability. Humanitarian initiatives should alleviate suffering—not serve as backdoors for geopolitical interference. Bangladesh must act decisively to ensure the Chittagong-Rakhine corridor remains exactly what it claims to be: a channel for compassion and not a geopolitical Trojan horse. The writer is the Director General of the Centre for Land Warfare Studies Lt Gen Dushyant Singh (Retd) is Director General, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
No differences with government: Top Bangladesh Army officer amid reports of rift
Amid swirling speculation over a possible rift between the Bangladesh Army and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the military on Sunday issued a strong statement reaffirming its alignment with the civilian a press conference at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka, senior Army officer Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula denied any discord between Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and the Chief Advisor of the interim remarks followed reports of a rift between the military and the interim government over the election timeline and a proposed humanitarian aid corridor to Myanmar's rebel-held Rakhine state — a move with security implications for Bangladesh. "This issue is extremely sensitive, and I urge everyone not to misinterpret the situation. There is no difference of opinion between the government and the Bangladesh Army. We are working together, complementing each other in every step," Brigadier General Nazim-ud-Daula the Army and government "parts of the same family", the officer said that any minor differences should be viewed in context. "Just like in any family, there may occasionally be differences in words or understanding. But these are not signs of division. They are part of the process, and everything can be resolved," he also warned against reading too much into routine coordination matters. "Some reports have painted a picture of deep divide, but that's far from reality. The government and the Army are working very well together, and there is full cooperation," the Brigadier General speculation reportedly stemmed from differing views on regional security concerns, especially regarding the border movement and the term "corridor", which has stirred debate in political and security General Nazim-ud-Daula clarified that the corridor issue is being misrepresented and is separate from the ongoing border developments."When I spoke about the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, I never mentioned the word corridor. It's a separate matter, and it should not be linked to the broader border security concerns or internal coordination," he his address, he appealed for responsible reporting and unity in a time of uncertainty. "This is our country. We are all responsible for its progress. There may be inconsistencies given the situation, but we are committed to resolving them and moving forward— together," the Army official INTERNAL CONFLICTEarlier this week, Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with the navy and air force heads, met Yunus and reportedly renewed their demand for national elections by December, pressing for a return to an elected government. The chiefs also conveyed their concerns over the proposed corridor the military has resolved to crack down on rising incidents of "mob justice" as part of its ongoing law enforcement home to nearly 170 million people, has been mired in political unrest since the ousting of the previous Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime. Tensions have flared in recent days, with rival political factions, trade unions, and pressure groups staging competing protests across Dhaka, each pushing a different set of InMust Watch
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First Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladesh crisis deepens: Army chief 'unhappy' with Yunus over decisions keeping forces in dark
Frictions have emerged between the two sides over elections, military interference, and controversial decisions of the interim government read more There are concerns regarding a fresh political crisis in Bangladesh as tensions between interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman have surfaced. According to reports, frictions have emerged between the two sides over elections, military interference, and controversial decisions of the interim government. 'No bloody corridor' The army chief has made it clear that there will be no 'bloody corridor' with Myanmar, referring to the proposed 'humanitarian corridor' on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, arguing it might have adverse implications for Bangladesh's sovereignty. The interim government had earlier pitched the idea for a safe passage to reach Myanmar's Rakhine State. However, Bangladesh's National Security Adviser (NSA) later clarified the government had never discussed the issue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government earlier indicated that it was in touch with the UN on channelling aid (food and medicines) to Myanmar due to the humanitarian crisis there. 'Govt keeping armed forces in dark' The army chief also expressed concerns over some decisions taken by the interim government while keeping the armed forces in the dark. While addressing a meeting of all officials in Dhaka, the army chief held the Yunus-led interim responsible for 'keeping the armed forces in the dark while taking key decisions'. 'Hold elections by December' During the assembly, the army chief also made it clear to the government that 'elections must be held by December' and that only an 'elected government' should determine the country's course and not an administration that was not answerable to the people. General Waker-Uz-Zaman further added that the army won't tolerate 'mob violence or lawlessness' prevailing across Bangladesh over the past several months. After the Yunus-led interim government took power in August 2024, the breakdown in law and order in Bangladesh allowed troublemakers and supporters of certain political parties to engage in criminal acts like intimidation and killings. This chaos followed the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with the police force in disarray and the army stepping in to maintain order. A senior military officer, whose name was not revealed, reportedly responded to General Waker-uz-Zaman's speech, stressing that the legacy of the 1971 liberation war and the national pride tied to it were 'non-negotiable' and must not be compromised.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wildlife officials take historic step to release critically endangered creatures into the wild: 'A significant milestone'
Conservationists are celebrating a major milestone in Bangladesh. According to a report by Mongabay, two species of critically endangered tortoises were reintroduced to Bangladesh's forest. Six elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) and 10 Asian giant tortoises (Manouria emys phayrei) were released into two different forests in Bangladesh. The captive-bred elongated tortoises were released in Lawachara National Park in Northeastern Bangladesh, while the 10 Asian giant tortoises were released in Matamuhuri Reserve Forest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Southeastern Bangladesh. "The recent release of a group of captive-bred tortoises last month is a significant milestone, but it represents the culmination of over a decade of dedicated effort," Creative Conservation Alliance CEO Shahriar Caesar Rahman told Mongabay by email. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Both tortoise species have suffered significant decline as a result of habitat loss and poaching. The Asian giant tortoises, however, are more threatened, as the species is no longer found across most of its historic range in Bangladesh. Rahman further explained to Mongabay that "only a remnant population of few wild individuals are found in one locality in Bangladesh-Myanmar border area." A variety of factors, including poaching, habitat loss, and subsistence hunting by local communities, have threatened the species' survival. While the elongated tortoise is more widely spread across Bangladesh, it has also been threatened by subsistence hunting. The Turtle Survival Alliance, Creative Conservation Alliance, and the Bangladesh Forest Department teamed up to make the tortoise reintroductions a success. Species reintroductions not only preserve a region's biodiversity but also protect the balance of the ecosystem. When one species' population starts to decline, it impacts the entire food chain, creating a domino effect. To ensure the long-term success of these species reintroductions, conservationists have partnered with local groups, such as the Mro tribal communities. According to Mongabay, these groups "play a crucial role in habitat protection and tortoise monitoring." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
