Bangladesh to pursue China-Myanmar economic corridor only if it protects nat'l interest: Humayun

Highlighhts

• Corridor to proceed only if it serves national interest
• Govt positively reviewing China's proposal
• Rohingya repatriation efforts continue with Myanmar, China
• National interest remains government's top priority

Bangladesh will pursue China's proposed economic corridor with Myanmar only if it serves the country's national interest, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said today (4 july).

"The Chinese president proposed the economic corridor during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China. We have taken the proposal positively and are examining how the corridor could be developed through Cox's Bazar, Myanmar and China," the adviser told reporters after inaugurating a three-day South Asian Academy for International Leadership (SAAIL) programme at a hotel in Cox's Bazar.

"However, the government will not do anything that goes against Bangladesh's national interest," he added.

On the Rohingya crisis, Kabir said, "The government is working both bilaterally with Myanmar and multilaterally with major countries, including China, to ensure the Rohingyas can return in a dignified and sustainable manner."

The three-day leadership programme, organised by JCI Bangladesh under the leadership of its 2026 National President Arefeen Raafi Ahmed and the SAAIL 2026 organising committee, has brought together young leaders, JCI members, international delegates and distinguished guests from Bangladesh and across South Asia.

Among those attending the inaugural session were 2026 JCI World President Alejandra Castillo, JCI India National President Bharat N Acharya, JCI Nepal National President Senator Jeevan Karki, and JCI Sri Lanka National President JC Sandun Weerasinghe.

Member of Parliament for the Cumilla-5 Jasim Uddin, Rangs Group Chairman Alhaj Rafiqul Islam and several leading business figures also attended the event.