The majority of Rakhine State has come under the control of the Arakan Army following fierce clashes with Myanmar’s military junta forces. It was from this very state that millions of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh to escape genocidal campaigns carried out by the junta forces.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres had iftar with these Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar during the last Ramadan. Meanwhile, discussions have suddenly emerged about Bangladesh offering a “humanitarian corridor” to deliver international aid to those affected in Rakhine. At a Bangladesh Air Force event, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus even called on the military to remain prepared for war. These developments are being closely analysed and observed by concerned circles.

Questions are now swirling in political and diplomatic spheres: What is the path to resolving the Rohingya crisis? How far might the heat of the civil war in Rakhine spread? What are the potential gains and losses of a humanitarian corridor? What is the significance of Dr Yunus’s statement about war preparedness? If Bangladesh, during its interim government, somehow becomes a party to the Rakhine conflict, what could it mean for the long-awaited national elections?

On these ongoing issues, Banglanews held an exclusive interview with researcher, academic, and political analyst Professor Dr Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah. The special interview was conducted by Banglanews Acting Editor Tawhidul Islam Mintu, with assistance from Senior Reporter Pinky Akter. 

Banglanews: In Bangladesh, the topic of a “humanitarian corridor” has suddenly come under the spotlight. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said the government has, in principle, decided to allow the corridor. However, later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that there has been no discussion with the United Nations or anyone else regarding this matter. How do you view the situation?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: This is indeed a highly sensitive issue, which might be why the government is not ready to make any clear statement at the moment. However, I believe that since there is currently no parliament in place, we are not getting a democratic and clear answer on this. The space for accountability has not been properly established. Whatever diplomatic rhetoric the government may employ, the issue of the corridor is not untrue. And if Bangladesh considers the matter from a policy perspective, it must be prepared to shelter the Rohingyas.

Banglanews: The Foreign Affairs Adviser also said that “the government wants clarity on a few issues” regarding the corridor. What do you think those issues might be?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: It's a matter of perception — perhaps only they can explain that clearly.

Banglanews: Who do you think would benefit if the corridor is opened — the Arakan Army, the Rohingya community, or the Myanmar government?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: Overall, it would benefit the indigenous people living in areas controlled by the Arakan Army — and the Arakan Army itself.

Banglanews: What might be India’s policy decision in this regard?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: They are maintaining relations with the central government, so they would not want to become a party to this war. Rather, it is natural that they would choose to remain neutral.

Banglanews: How do you assess China’s role or the cost-benefit perspective regarding the corridor?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: China provides all kinds of support to Myanmar’s central government. China will always try to protect Myanmar. How far they will go in assisting to resolve this crisis between Myanmar and Bangladesh is uncertain. However, if a situation akin to war arises between Bangladesh and Myanmar, China will mediate to resolve the issue. In this context, the role of the United States is extremely important.

Banglanews: At various times there have been speculations and discussions about forming a Christian or Jewish state in Arakan. What is your view on this? Are the Kuki-Chin, Mizo, and Manipuri communities Jewish or Christian? Who do you think supplies them with weapons for their armed struggle?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: Look, about 2,700 years ago, a tribe named ' Bnei Menashe ' from Israel came and settled here. If a separate state is formed, it could be one comprising Jews, Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims — a mix of four communities. In such a state, Muslims would become a minority. Those supplying them with weapons will never admit to it, but in this case, there is moral support from Western countries — that is, the United States.

Banglanews: Would India then consent to the formation of a separate state to ensure its own national security? Would India feel secure, if the Manipuri, Mizo, or Kuki-Chin communities from their country join the new state?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: They have regional surveillance in place regarding this matter. They are always vigilant about preserving their territorial integrity. They would not want to remain in the dark about facts like we often do.

Banglanews: In that case, how much is there a risk of Bangladesh’s sovereignty being compromised?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: If there is a tug over the Bandarban-Cox’s Bazar region, then our territorial integrity would be undermined.

Banglanews: Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement proposing a separate state for the Rohingya, and then immediately withdrew that statement. How do you see this?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: Since the Rohingya are Muslims by religion, Jamaat might have made such a move. There is an element of Islamic sentiment involved here. Essentially, they proposed this in order to create a safe zone — that too is a part of humanity. As for why they withdrew the proposal, they can best explain that.

Banglanews: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “We don’t want to become Gaza.” What do you think he meant by that?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: He meant that we do not want to fall into a situation like that of the Palestinians.

Banglanews: Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed hope before the UN Secretary-General that the Rohingya would be able to observe the next Ramadan in Rakhine. How realistic is that?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: It is possible. But the task will not be easy. Still, we can remain hopeful. Yet, without ensuring the Rohingyas’ environment, safety, and rights there, we cannot push them back — so it’s tough. I believe this government will stay in power for a long time. And perhaps that’s what the people want now. So, until the Rohingya crisis is resolved, this government may remain in power. What I’m trying to say is that this issue could be one of the key factors in the government remaining in office. It could become a major issue tied to their tenure.

Banglanews: Who exactly is the Arakan Army? Would they accept the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims? Why are the Rohingya still being forcibly displaced from Rakhine? And why is Bangladesh sheltering them?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: Bangladesh is sheltering them because there is no other choice now. We have already given refuge to the vast majority. The Arakan Army does not consider them “sons of the soil”; they believe the Rohingya are originally from Bangladesh. Bangladesh is having to shelter them on humanitarian grounds.

Banglanews: If repatriation ultimately becomes impossible, what might the situation look like?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: Given the ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s central government, Bangladesh could also become a party to it. If they cross the border and attack Rohingya camps, Bangladesh would be compelled to respond for its own security.

Banglanews: If the government allows the corridor, what might be the gains or losses for Bangladesh?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: The corridor has already been granted. As long as the war continues, the unelected government will have the opportunity to remain in power.

Banglanews: Dr Muhammad Yunus has called on the military to prepare for war. How do you view this?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: As Defence Minister (the Defence Ministry falls under the Chief Adviser), perhaps he said this to motivate the soldiers. But the possibility of war isn’t exactly low either.

Banglanews: Why was Dr. Khalilur Rahman appointed as National Security Adviser? What is his actual role?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: He has been given this portfolio to oversee the Rohingya issue.

Banglanews: Do you believe there’s a connection between the Rohingya issue and whether the next election will be held on schedule?

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah: Absolutely. The timing of the upcoming election depends entirely on this matter. If Bangladesh becomes a party to the conflict, elections cannot be held in a wartime situation. The tenure of the interim government would definitely be extended. We would then be plunged into a prolonged crisis.

SMS/