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Dhaka, May 6, 2025 :Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor, Khalilur Rahman, has asserted the country’s sovereign right to engage with any group, including the ethnic armed group Arakan Army in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, in the interest of national security. Speaking to journalists at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, Rahman dismissed external criticism, stating, “We will meet whoever we want in our interest. What others say doesn’t matter.”
Rahman emphasized Bangladesh’s independent foreign policy, saying, “We are a sovereign state. We have formulated an independent foreign policy and are implementing it.” He acknowledged that Myanmar considers the Arakan Army a terrorist group but noted that they are open to dialogue and have discussed a ceasefire.
Explaining the necessity of communication with the Arakan Army, Rahman said, “The Arakan Army currently controls the other side of our border. This is our sovereign border, and we must manage and protect it peacefully. Since it’s a cross-border issue, we will maintain contact with whoever is on the other side.” He added that Bangladesh would also engage with Myanmar’s military if they regain control of the area, as communication had existed previously.
The issue came under scrutiny after Myanmar’s junta government, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, lodged a diplomatic protest with Dhaka in April, expressing “displeasure” over Bangladesh’s contact with the Arakan Army. Bangladesh has not officially acknowledged the engagement so far.
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