DHAKA, July 23: Newly appointed Chief of the Bangladesh Navy, Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah-ul-Azim, was formally adorned with his rank badge at a ceremony held on Thursday morning.

The insignia was conferred at the Prime Minister’s Office under the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and outgoing Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan jointly presented the Vice Admiral’s rank badge to Misbah-ul-Azim. The prime minister congratulated the newly appointed naval chief on assuming his new responsibilities.

On behalf of the Bangladesh Navy, Vice Admiral Misbah-ul-Azim expressed his gratitude to the prime minister.

Among those present at the ceremony were Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Quartermaster General of the Bangladesh Army Lt Gen Md Shahinur Rahman, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, Military Secretary to the Prime Minister Maj Gen Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, and Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon.

Vice Admiral Misbah-ul-Azim joined the Bangladesh Navy on January 1, 1987, and received his commission in the Executive Branch in 1989. He completed his initial naval training with distinction at the Royal Malaysian Navy.

In addition to advanced military education and training at home and abroad, he earned a PhD in Maritime Governance.

During his nearly four-decade-long career, he served with distinction in a wide range of command, staff and instructional appointments. His key assignments included Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, Commander of the 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 warships and naval bases.

Vice Admiral Misbah-ul-Azim served in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most recently, he served as Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Oman, where he played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions during his distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he has been awarded the Navy Medal (NBP), the Navy Efficiency Medal (NPP), the National Integrity Award, and several other honours.