Rohingya Involved in Various Crimes, Increasing Strain on Economy: Army Chief

The prolonged presence of a significant Rohingya community is putting a strain on Bangladesh’s environment, law and order, and economy, according to Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman. As the keynote guest at the National Defence College’s Capstone Course concluding ceremony in Mirpur, he pointed out that some migrants are involved in drug smuggling and environmental pollution. He highlighted that camps in Cox’s Bazar are severely damaging forest resources and that ongoing obligations to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and security are placing a strain on government finances.

Following the massive inflow from Myanmar in 2017, large numbers of people currently live in Ukhiya and Teknaf camps. The situation has been protracted by significant financing shortages and slow repatriation, despite help from the UN and international organisations. As a result, Bangladeshi security forces have to regularly carry out targeted operations to stop criminal activity near the border as well as cross-border narcotics and people trafficking. The scenario keeps making border control more difficult, and the government’s national security spending has increased dramatically.

The Army Chief ended the event by presenting diplomas to 37 course fellows, including top military leaders, diplomats, journalists, academics, physicians, and corporate representatives. Highlighting the three-week course’s accomplishments, General Waker-Uz-Zaman advised all participants to use their newly gained knowledge to actively promote national growth and security. His speech emphasised how crucial strategic cross-sectoral leadership is to effectively tackling difficult national issues and maintaining long-term stability.