The United Nations in Bangladesh said that any humanitarian aid or supplies sent from Bangladesh to Myanmar must first be approved by both governments.
"The UN has a legal obligation to obtain permission from the concerned governments to deliver cross-border assistance. Without this, the UN`s direct involvement is limited," a spokesperson for the UN in Bangladesh told The Daily Star today.
The clarification followed Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain`s statement on Sunday that Bangladesh had agreed in principle to a UN proposal for a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar`s Rakhine State.
He said, however, that several conditions would need to be met, though he did not elaborate.
Meanwhile, several political parties have expressed concerns over the government`s position on the proposed passage, citing potential implications for national security and safety.
Rakhine State remains gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced amid ongoing clashes between Myanmar`s military and the Arakan Army.
At the same time, Rohingya refugees are still entering Bangladesh. Since November 2023, approximately 113,000 new arrivals have brought the total number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to 1.3 million.
The spokesperson of the UN resident coordinator said the UN in Bangladesh continues to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and continues to be concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine.
"The United Nations with our humanitarian partners will continue to work to mobilise the international community`s support to Bangladesh as a host to the Rohingya refugees"
