New Navy chief begins tenure with tribute at Shikha Anirban

New Bangladesh Navy Chief Vice Admiral Khondokar Misbah ul Azim has formally begun his tenure by paying tribute to members of the armed forces who lost their lives during the country’s Liberation War while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s maritime security.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the navy chief laid a wreath at Shikha Anirban in Dhaka Cantonment on Friday and signed the visitors’ book in honour of the fallen service personnel.

Following the tribute, senior officers at Naval Headquarters welcomed the newly appointed chief. A ceremonial naval contingent presented him with a guard of honour, which he inspected before taking the salute.

The oPrincipal staff officers and other senior officials from the Bangladesh Navy attended the occasion. ISPR said Vice Admiral Misbah intends to support the development of a stronger and more modern blue-water navy in line with the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

As part of that long-term vision, the navy plans to enhance its operational capability by introducing modern frigates, submarines and advanced surveillance technologies, including sonar and radar systems.

The aim is to reinforce Bangladesh’s maritime sovereignty, improve security across its territorial waters and safeguard the country’s growing blue economy.

Vice Admiral Misbah was promoted from rear admiral to vice admiral on 16 July before being appointed chief of the Bangladesh Navy. He succeeds Admiral M Nazmul Hassan in the role.

Before assuming command, he served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Oman, bringing diplomatic experience alongside his decades of military service.

A former student of Rajshahi Cadet College’s 17^th batch, Vice Admiral Misbah received his naval commission in 1987.

Throughout his career, he has held several key operational and leadership appointments, commanding naval formations in both Dhaka and Chattogram.

He also served as commandant of the Bangladesh Naval Academy, where he oversaw the training and development of future naval officers.

His appointment comes as Bangladesh continues its efforts to modernise its naval capabilities, amid increasing emphasis on maritime security and the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal.

The government’s wider plans seek to strengthen the navy’s ability to protect national interests at sea while supporting the sustainable development of the country’s marine resources.