National Security at Risk: Corridor for Arakan Army Approved Without Intelligence Agencies’ Input

Special Correspondent | April 30, 2025

A highly sensitive decision impacting Bangladesh’s national security has reportedly been made without consulting the country’s primary intelligence agencies, DGFI and NSI.

The interim government has approved a logistical corridor for the Arakan Army, a rebel group fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. However, this decision was taken without involving or informing the intelligence agencies, raising significant concerns about national security, experts say.

According to information obtained by *BD Digest*, senior officials from DGFI and NSI revealed that they were unaware of the decision until it was announced by the foreign affairs advisor. The announcement, which came the day before yesterday, left officials astonished as no prior communication or consultation occurred.

Expressing concern, one official stated, “It is abnormal and alarming that the nation’s key investigative agencies were left uninformed about such a critical security matter.”

Sources indicate that the decision was orchestrated directly from “Jamuna” under the directive of Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus and his security advisor, Khalilur Rahman, a U.S. citizen. No consultations were held with political parties or stakeholders regarding the matter.

Major political parties have confirmed that they were not consulted or informed about the decision’s context or planning.

Security analysts have labeled this as a dangerous precedent for national security.

Experts pointed out that in countries like the United States, bypassing agencies like the FBI or CIA in war-related decisions is inconceivable. Similarly, excluding DGFI and NSI from such critical decisions in a geopolitically sensitive region like Bangladesh poses severe risks.

The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s military has already heightened tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. This decision may further destabilize the region, analysts warn.

Political parties and security experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability in this matter.

The incident highlights a concerning lack of coordination in the country’s security apparatus and raises questions about the decision-making process. Public and political figures are demanding a clear explanation from the interim government regarding the rationale and procedure behind this decision.