Khalilur shrugs off Myanmar’s concerns over Bangladesh's contact with Arakan Army

"It’s critical to keep the border under control, and we’ll keep in touch with whoever is on the other side," he says

National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman has dismissed Myanmar’s objections to Bangladesh’s communication with the Arakan Army, saying the interim government will engage with any group it deems necessary to protect and promote national interests.

"It doesn’t matter what anyone says," Khalilur told reporters at the foreign ministry on Tuesday, signalling a firm stance on Bangladesh’s foreign policy approach amid rising tensions along the border.

Responding to a question about the Myanmar military junta’s reported objections, Khalilur said: “We are a sovereign state. In our interest, we will meet with whoever we want.”

He added: “We have formulated an independent foreign policy and are implementing it—you can see that.”

“Myanmar has declared the Arakan Army a criminal group, but even they are talking to them. They are talking about ceasefires, aren’t they?”

A journalist asked the advisor about Bangladesh’s position after Myanmar reportedly sent a letter expressing concern over its contact with the Arakan Army.

In response, Khalilur, also the chief advisor’s top aide, said: “One thing must be considered—right now, control across our border lies with the Arakan Army.

“This is our border, and it’s our sovereign territory. We must manage it, protect it, and keep it peaceful.

“It’s a cross-border issue. Whoever is across the line, we will keep contact with them.”

He added, “If the Tatmadaw [Myanmar military] can, let them come back and re-establish their presence. We had contact with them before. If they return, we’ll speak to them too.”

Following the disclosure of Dhaka’s communication with the Arakan Army in April, Myanmar’s military government, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, issued a diplomatic note to protest the move.

That letter expressed “dissatisfaction”, but the Bangladesh government has yet to comment on the matter officially.

Asked whether talks with the Arakan Army contradict Bangladesh’s stance on Myanmar’s territorial integrity, Khalilur said: “Not at all. They [the Arakan Army] are right across the border, and we have to deal with them. That’s just the reality.”

Addressing Myanmar’s position, he said: “We have communication with the Myanmar government, of course. You saw recently that we sent aid, without waiting for their request. We’re in touch.

“We also have trade links with them. And we continue to engage them on the Rohingya issue.”

Referring to discussions in Bangkok between Myanmar’s junta and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Khalilur said talks would continue.

“If you want to solve a problem, you need to keep in touch with all sides,” he added. “Without that, you can’t resolve anything.”

On the issue of establishing a humanitarian corridor to send aid to war-torn Rakhine and whether the United Nations (UN) might coordinate with both the Arakan Army and the Myanmar government on the matter, Khalilur said all parties would maintain communication.

“We’ve already had discussions. In the end, we’ll see if all sides agree.

Even if they do, that doesn’t mean we will automatically deliver aid. We have other matters to consider too,” he added.