The United Nations (UN) is not involved in establishing a humanitarian corridor between Bangladesh and Myanmar to deliver aid to the people of Rakhine State, Gwyn Lewis, resident coordinator in Bangladesh of the universal global organisation, has said.

The UN resident coordinator said this while talking to reporters during a programme held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The comments come amid increasing debate and criticism in the political arena and media over the possible establishment of a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

“Bangladesh government was working to establish a humanitarian corridor with Myanmar’s Rakhine state, but the United Nations was not involved in the process,” she categorically said while talking to the reporters.

The UN welcomes and supports any initiative to improve cross-border relationships and any initiative to assist people affected by conflict, he said, adding that it is not involved in any initiative relating to such a humanitarian corridor.

“Humanitarian corridor is a formal and legal issue and it requires official consents of two sovereign countries and the third party concerned in this regard, if necessary,” she said.

“If there is any deal signed in this regard, then we can extend our cooperation, but as far as I know, no such agreement has yet been reached,” said the UNRC.

Earlier, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman said that no agreement has been reached with any party on the humanitarian corridor or any related issue.

He said the government has not held any discussions on a humanitarian corridor or reached any agreement with the parties concerned on this or any other issue.