In a highly sensitive development, the United Nations, under discreet recommendations from Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, is reportedly considering reducing the funds allocated for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and diverting part of the resources to support the Arakan Army’s military operations in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, multiple diplomatic and security sources have confirmed.
According to senior officials aware of the matter, Yunus has advised key UN bodies handling the Rohingya crisis to “rationalize and downscale” the humanitarian assistance programs inside Bangladesh refugee camps, citing an “urgent need to stabilize the Rakhine region through Arakan Army’s territorial advances.”
Silent Transfer: Covert Shift of Humanitarian Funds Uncovered
Sources indicate that while the UN’s official budget documents will reflect a reduction in Rohingya refugee allocations citing donor fatigue and operational efficiency, the reallocated resources are planned to be discreetly funneled through back channels to support the Arakan Army’s logistical and humanitarian wings.
“The plan is to use development aid labels, such as cross-border humanitarian support for ‘stateless Rakhine civilians,’ which in reality will reach the Arakan Army-controlled areas,” a senior UN consultant familiar with the proposal told this correspondent.
Behind the Curtain: Yunus’ Strategic Calculations Unveiled
Yunus, who has been pushing for a policy shift within Bangladesh’s handling of the Rohingya issue since assuming power under the interim authority, is believed to see the Arakan Army as a strategic partner in neutralizing the Myanmar junta’s influence in Rakhine, ultimately facilitating a **”safe zone” model for Rohingya repatriation under the Arakan Army’s authority rather than the junta’s.
Insiders say Yunus presented this proposal as a “geopolitical necessity” during recent closed-door briefings with senior UN officials, including representatives from UNHCR, OCHA, and several key donor countries.
“He (Yunus) is portraying the Arakan Army as a potential stabilizer in Rakhine, framing the support as a humanitarian investment for long-term peace and voluntary Rohingya return,” the official added.
Tensions Rise Within UN as Staff Push Back on Leadership
However, the plan has triggered sharp divisions within the UN system. Several UN agencies and humanitarian groups have raised alarm over the ethical and legal implications of channeling refugee funds toward an armed insurgent group.
“This is a dangerous precedent,” warned a Dhaka-based humanitarian analyst. “It undermines the very foundation of humanitarian neutrality and could put UN operations at risk both in Bangladesh and Myanmar.”
Growing International Concern
Diplomatic circles in Dhaka, Washington, and Geneva are reportedly monitoring the developments closely, with concerns mounting over Yunus’ growing influence on UN policy relating to the Rohingya crisis.
Analysts fear that if this covert funding plan materializes, it could further complicate the already fragile Rohingya situation, jeopardize Bangladesh’s humanitarian reputation, and expose the UN to accusations of indirectly fueling an ethnic conflict in Myanmar.
Both the UN and the Bangladesh interim authority have refused to officially comment on the matter.
The Impact: Unseen Consequences Unfold
If this plan to redirect Rohingya aid funds to the Arakan Army actually goes through, the consequences could be both immediate and far-reaching.
For the nearly one million Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, any reduction in funding would hit them hard. It would likely result in reduced food, healthcare, and shelter for refugees already living in hardship. Aid organizations warn that even small cuts could cause a major crisis in the camps.
It’s not just about the camps, though. This move could also hurt Bangladesh’s image globally. For years, the country has earned international praise for giving the Rohingya a safe haven. But if donor countries believe their money is being used to fund an armed group rather than helping refugees, they may start pulling back on future support.
There’s also a big risk for the United Nations. If people find out that UN funds were knowingly funneled—even indirectly—toward a rebel group like the Arakan Army, the backlash could be serious. It would raise tough questions about neutrality, accountability, and whether humanitarian aid is being misused.
And let’s not forget the bigger picture. Strengthening the Arakan Army might seem like a way to pressure Myanmar’s military regime, but it could also spark more violence in the region. A stronger Arakan Army could mean more fighting in Rakhine State, more displacement, and even more instability—not just for Myanmar, but for Bangladesh too.
