Dhaka: Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Thursday highlighted the growing economic and environmental challenges Bangladesh faces due to the ongoing Rohingya crisis. During his address at the closing ceremony of the Capstone Course at the National Defence College (NDC) auditorium in Mirpur Cantonment, he emphasized that the crisis exacerbates issues such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and various other crimes.
According to United News of Bangladesh, General Waker-Uz-Zaman pointed out that Bangladesh is also grappling with border-related issues, difficulties with neighboring countries, insurgency in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, and an energy crisis. He stated that the participants of the course shared their experiences and expert knowledge on these matters, which would aid them in addressing the country’s challenges effectively.
The Army Chief acknowledged the complexity of these problems, noting that “solving these problems is not possible in a single day.” He underscored the importance of enriching the knowledge and experiences of distinguished individuals brought to NDC through such courses, which, in turn, benefits from the participants’ experiences.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman expressed confidence that the experienced participants of the course could significantly contribute to solving national problems and formulating policies and laws. He encouraged them to utilize the wisdom and prudence bestowed upon them to aid in the country’s development.
The Capstone Course saw the participation of 37 individuals from various professions, including professors, doctors, judges, lawyers, and other professionals, creating a valuable convergence of experience. The Army Chief noted that the exchange of experiences among these diverse professionals enriched their mutual knowledge.
In his address, he thanked the NDC Commandant, faculty members, and staff for the successful conduct of the course, emphasizing the importance of the friendships and mutual understanding developed among participants. These relationships, he said, could foster greater coordination and strength in addressing future challenges.
NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Md Faizur Rahman highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and consensus-building on national issues. He expressed hope that the active participation of the fellows throughout the course would broaden their strategic understanding and help build a strong national bond among leaders from different sectors.
The Capstone Course is a key training program at the National Defence College, aimed at enhancing strategic awareness, developing constructive thinking, strengthening inter-sectoral cooperation, and building a common perspective on national security and development issues. The closing ceremony was attended by senior military and civilian officials, NDC faculty members, and other distinguished personalities.