National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman today said Bangladesh is maintaining contacts with the Arakan Army due to practical necessity.

“Bangladesh has contacts with the Arakan Army due to practical necessity. At the same time, Bangladesh is maintaining contacts with the Myanmar government. It is necessary to keep in touch with all relevant actors with a view to resolve the Rohingya issues sustainably,” he told a press briefing here. 

The press briefing on the humanitarian channel issue in Rakhine was held at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon.

Replying to a question, Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh government realised the need for keeping contact with the Arakan Army when they took control over the Myanmar side of our border. 

“It is Bangladesh's duty to protect its border and keep it peaceful. For this reason, Bangladesh decided to make informal contacts with the Arakan Army,” he said.
   
“Bangladesh government has continued to engage them in the context of consideration of provision of humanitarian support, repatriation of the Rohingyas and the inclusion of the Rohingyas at all levels of the emerging governance and security structure in Rakhine,” he said.

Responding to another query on Bangladesh’s agreement to the UN's proposal for humanitarian assistance to Rakhine, the national security adviser said all the relevant parties need to agree on the provision of aid. 

“Moreover, the Arakan Army needs to ensure that access of aid providers and recipients is not impeded, aid is not weaponised and there are no armed activities,” he added.

“Also, the Arakan Army needs to sincerely demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive society in Rakhine by including Rohingyas at all levels of Rakhine’s governance and security structure. Otherwise, it will appear to the world as a picture of ethnic cleansing, which we will not be accepted. We are awaiting Arakan Army's response,” he noted.

On security risks in the provision of humanitarian aid, Dr Khalilur Rahman said giving aid in a conflicting situation might pose safety and security risks for the aid providers and recipients.  

Prevalence of landmines and IEDs is another threat to safety and security, he said, adding that these issues need to be addressed ahead of coming to a decision for the provision of aid.

The security adviser said saving lives from an impending humanitarian disaster is a collective responsibility of the global community, he said.

“All of parties need to join efforts to tackle this problem. Stability in Rakhine is Bangladesh's priority. Hardly any progress can be made towards repatriation without achieving it,” he added.