Tourism under threat for Rohingyas

Staff Correspondent: The tourism industry in Cox’s Bazar is under serious threat due to the increasing movement of Rohingyas. Especially, after the Rohingyas took refuge in Ukhiya Teknaf, its negative impact on the tourism industry of the district is being observed.
Security crisis, drug aggression, kidnapping and other effects have become a threat to the tourism industry. Cox’s Bazar is one of the major tourist destinations in the country. Here, the government humanely sheltered a large number of Rohingya people in Myanmar.
According to environmentalists and political experts, the Rohingyas have had a “negative impact” on the environment in Cox’s Bazar, one of the most important tourist industries in the country.
The topic of multiple national seminars in recent times was the discussion on the free movement of Rohingyas in the Cox’s Bazar tourist complex. Ph.D. research assistant professor Md. Mohiuddin presented the results of the research at the seminar.
The seminar was chaired by Professor Mohammad Abdul Quader – Ph.D. theoretical Professor Dr. Mallick Akram Hossain and Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman Khandaker were present.
Dr. Mallick Akram Hossain said “the Rohingyas are not the only ones” causing environmental, economic and social catastrophe for tourism at the local level. It is also a “risk” to the state as a whole. Not only that, in the tourist city of Cox’s Bazar, most of the drivers of the three-wheeler are Rohingyas. They are also working in hotel restaurants.
Rohingyas also have an influence on maids. Rohingyas occupy the daily labor market.
Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Civil Society, said Rohingyas have created a “dirty environment” by engaging in anti-social activities in hotels and motels. “If the free movement of these Rohingyas is not stopped, a conducive environment in the tourist city of Cox’s Bazar cannot be expected,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar District Press Club President Fazlul Quader Chowdhury said the Rohingyas were “roaming freely” outside the camp despite enjoying all the facilities including relief items. Even they are also involved in murders, robberies, terrorism, piracy and other misdeeds. This is deteriorating the law and order situation. That is why the tourism industry is being adversely affected.