Terrorism can have serious psychological consequences
Bangladesh's national security is facing a serious threat from terrorism, which is truly an intimidating problem in today's world, said former health minister Prof AFM Ruhal Haque yesterday.
"Terrorism has become a threat to life, economy and political and religious pluralism in Bangladesh. Political violence, assassinations of religious persons and bombings in public places of festivity have stunned the country," he said while addressing a seminar at Bijoy Auditorium of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) in Mirpur Cantonment.
BUP organised the seminar on "trauma caused by terrorism" at the initiative of the Medical Studies, and Security and Strategic Studies faculties, said an ISPR release.
Ruhal said terrorism can have a particularly devastating impact on psychological functioning. "It carries with it a potentially greater impact than other disasters on distress responses, behavioural change, and psychiatric illness by virtue of the unique characteristics of terrorism," he said.
He said the terror attack and the threat of a terror event may result in more severe psychological consequences than other types of traumatic events like natural disasters.
The former health minister said the country has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since the mid-nineties.
"Compared to the other South Asian neighbours, terrorism here is relatively new, and is a largely homegrown phenomenon; he said, adding that over the last two decades, a number of militant groups have established their presence through violent acts of terrorism in the country.
"It's high time to deal with terrorism effectively to ensure a cohesive and secure society. We have to prepare really well for the tangible as well as intangible damages of possible terrorist events," Ruhul said.
Shafi Ahmed, general surgeon of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and Prof Raquibul Anwar, president and CEO of RAHETID, were the keynote speakers, while Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College Major General Md Fashiur Rahman and BUP Vice-Chancellor Major General Md Salahuddin Miaji were present at the event as special guests.
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