Rohingya crisis putting major pressure on environment, economy: Army chief

The Rohingya crisis is putting significant pressure on Bangladesh’s environment as well as its economy, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said.

He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing the closing ceremony of a three-week-long Capstone Course at the National Defence College in Mirpur Cantonment. General Waker-Uz-Zaman handed certificates to 37 fellows at the event.

The army chief said the Rohingya crisis was putting considerable pressure on the country’s environment and economy. He added that the Rohingyas were also involved in various forms of crime, including drug trafficking and smuggling.

The fellows attending the programme included members of parliament, university teachers, military officers, doctors, senior representatives of government and private organisations, diplomats, journalists and corporate representatives.

During the course, participants shared their experiences and expert knowledge on border issues, various matters concerning neighbouring countries, the challenges in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and other important issues.

The army chief said the course would enrich the participants in their respective fields and enable them to play a significant role in addressing these challenges facing the country.

At the event, Moulvibazar-3 MP M Naser Rahman compared the Rohingya crisis to a “time bomb.” He said the crisis had become acute and could go out of control at any time.