The interim government on Wednesday said Bangladesh is coordinating with the relevant actors to prevent another wave of refugees into the country.
In particular, the government has signaled the Arakan Army (AA) that they must ensure that there is no further violence, discrimination and displacement of Rohingyas inside Rakhine, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
They (AA) have the responsibility to observe international law including international humanitarian law, said the interim government.
"And the world is watching. Bangladesh's continued contacts with them will depend on their action in this area, as well as on Rohingya representation," it added.
Humanitarian assistance to Rakhine
Regarding the current status of Bangladesh’s involvement in humanitarian assistance in Rakhine State, the government said that the question of humanitarian support arose when Bangladeshi authorities became aware of the acute humanitarian crisis unfolding there.
The government noted that the UNDP had predicted famine-like conditions, raising concerns that such a situation could lead to further displacement of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh.
The government emphasized that Bangladesh is already bearing the burden of sheltering over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar and simply cannot afford another influx. It stressed that the current situation already poses a significant strain on the country’s resources.
In light of the worsening humanitarian conditions in Rakhine, the government said that Bangladesh and the United Nations began considering the provision of humanitarian assistance.
It explained that due to ongoing conflict, all other aid delivery routes had become unviable, making Bangladesh the only feasible option.
According to the government, the plan was for the UN to distribute aid through its internal channels within Rakhine, while Bangladesh would provide logistical support to transfer aid across the Bangladesh–Myanmar border.
It further said that it viewed the provision of aid as a potential stabilizing factor for Rakhine State and a step toward creating conditions conducive to the repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
However, the government clarified that no agreement has been reached yet on the delivery of aid, as it requires the consent of all relevant parties and the fulfillment of several key prerequisites—conditions that are common in humanitarian operations globally.
These include, among others, unimpeded access for aid providers and recipients, non-discriminatory distribution of aid, prevention of aid weaponization, and the suspension of armed activities.
Engagement with Arakan Army
Regarding the status of discussions with the Arakan Army, the government said that it recognized the need to maintain contact with the group after they took control of areas along the Myanmar side of the Bangladesh–Myanmar border.
It emphasized that Bangladesh has a responsibility to protect its borders and ensure peace in the region. In view of this, the government decided to establish informal channels of communication with the Arakan Army.
According to the government, these contacts have continued in the context of discussions around the provision of humanitarian support, the repatriation of the Rohingyas, and the inclusion of the Rohingya population at all levels of the evolving governance and security structures in Rakhine State.
The government clarified that contact with the Arakan Army is a matter of practical necessity. At the same time, it confirmed that Bangladesh is also maintaining communication with the Myanmar government.
The government underscored that engagement with all relevant actors is essential for achieving a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis.
Preconditions for agreeing to UN proposal
Regarding the conditions for agreeing to the UN’s proposal for humanitarian assistance, the government stated that, first and foremost, all relevant parties must agree to the provision of aid.
It emphasized that the Arakan Army must ensure unimpeded access for aid providers and recipients, that humanitarian assistance is not weaponized, and that all armed activities are suspended.
The government further said that the Arakan Army must sincerely demonstrate its commitment to building an inclusive society in Rakhine by ensuring the participation of Rohingyas at all levels of governance and the security structure.
Without such measures, the government warned, the situation may be perceived by the international community as one of ethnic cleansing—something Bangladesh will not accept.
The government said that it is currently awaiting a response from the Arakan Army on these conditions.
Security risks in aid delivery
The government also highlighted that delivering aid in a conflict zone poses significant safety and security risks for both providers and recipients.
The widespread presence of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) adds another layer of danger. These concerns, the government noted, must be addressed before any humanitarian operations can move forward.
Role of the global community
In its remarks, the government emphasized that preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rakhine is a collective responsibility of the global community.
It called for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders—particularly regional actors—to address the crisis. Bangladesh reiterated that ensuring stability in Rakhine remains a key priority, as repatriation efforts cannot progress in its absence.
Concerns over continued influx of refugees
On the issue of a potential new influx, the government said that Bangladesh cannot absorb another wave of refugees. It recalled that a sizeable number of Rohingyas entered the country during the height of clashes between the Arakan Army and Myanmar forces from 2023 through late 2024.
While the flow has since slowed, crossings have continued in smaller numbers—posing a continued strain on national resources.
