PM Confers Vice Admiral Rank Badge on New Navy Chief

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and outgoing Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan on Thursday conferred the rank badge of Vice Admiral on newly appointed Navy Chief Rear Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim.

The rank badge was formally presented at a ceremony held at the Prime Minister's Armed Forces Division office in Dhaka Cantonment, according to the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister congratulated Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim on his new responsibility. The newly appointed Navy chief expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy.

The event was attended by senior military and government officials, including Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, senior officers of the Army and Armed Forces Division, and officials from the Prime Minister's Office.

Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim joined the Bangladesh Navy on January 1, 1987, and was commissioned into the Executive Branch in 1989.

He completed his initial naval training with distinction at the Royal Malaysian Navy and later received advanced military and academic training at home and abroad. He also earned a PhD in Maritime Governance.

During his nearly four-decade career, he served in various key command, staff and training positions, including Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Commander Dhaka Naval Area, Commander Submarines and Commandant of the Bangladesh Naval Academy.

He also served as Director of Naval Operations and Director of Naval Plans at Naval Headquarters and commanded several naval ships and bases.

Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Before taking charge as Navy chief, he served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Oman, where he contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting the interests of Bangladeshi expatriates.

In recognition of his service and contributions, he has received several honours, including the Nau Bahini Padak (NBP), Nau Parodorshita Padak (NPP) and the National Integrity Award.