Rohingya Crisis Puts Pressure on Bangladesh: Army Chief

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said the Rohingya crisis is putting significant pressure on Bangladesh’s economy and environment while contributing to drug trafficking, smuggling and other crimes.

He made the remarks on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the Capstone Course at the National Defence College (NDC) auditorium in Mirpur Cantonment.

Highlighting the major challenges facing Bangladesh, the Army Chief also mentioned border issues, relations with neighbouring countries, insurgency in the Chattogram Hill Tracts and the energy crisis.

He said participants of the Capstone Course exchanged experiences and expert knowledge on these issues, which would help them contribute to addressing national challenges and formulating policies.

“Solving these problems is not possible in a single day,” General Waker-Uz-Zaman said.

He noted that the NDC brings together experienced professionals from different sectors to exchange knowledge and perspectives. Such interactions, he said, can contribute to solving national problems and strengthening policy-making.

A total of 37 professionals from different fields, including professors, doctors, judges and lawyers, participated in this year's Capstone Course.

The Army Chief said the interaction among professionals from diverse backgrounds had strengthened mutual understanding and created valuable networks that could contribute to greater coordination in the future.

“When people with different perspectives, experiences and expertise come together, a synergy is created,” he said.

NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Md Faizur Rahman stressed the importance of continued dialogue and consensus-building on issues of national importance.

He expressed hope that the participants’ engagement would strengthen their strategic understanding and help build stronger cooperation among leaders from different sectors.

The Capstone Course is designed to enhance strategic awareness, promote constructive thinking, strengthen inter-sectoral cooperation and develop a common understanding of national security and development issues.