61 officers commissioned into Bangladesh Navy

A total of 61 newly trained officers were commissioned into the Bangladesh Navy today (21 June), pledging to safeguard the country's sovereignty, maritime interests and territorial waters.

The commissioning took place during the Summer Presidential Parade of the Midshipman 2023-B and Direct Entry Officer 2026-A batches at the Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chattogram, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan attended the ceremony as chief guest, inspected the parade and took the salute.

Of the newly commissioned officers, 54 are midshipmen from the 2023-B batch and seven are directly commissioned officers from the 2026-A batch. The batch includes five women officers and two foreign officers.

Following the parade, the naval chief presented awards to outstanding trainees. Midshipman Md Intisar Islam Inan received the Sword of Honour as the best all-round cadet. Midshipman Sadman Sakib Pantha was awarded the Naval Chief Gold Medal for securing second position in training, while Acting Sub-Lieutenant Md Abid Shahriar Anu of the Education Branch received the Bir Sreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance. 

Foreign trainee Midshipman Jehad A M Salah was awarded the BNA International Gold Medal as the best foreign midshipman.

The newly commissioned officers later took an oath to uphold the country's independence and sovereignty. Family members and senior naval officials formally adorned them with epaulettes after the ceremony.

In his address, Admiral Nazmul Hassan paid tribute to the freedom fighters and naval commandos who participated in Bangladesh's Liberation War.

Highlighting the navy's modernisation drive, he said the force is advancing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities under the government's "Made in Bangladesh" policy in the defence sector. 

He noted that naval shipyards, dockyards and the Centre for Naval Research and Development are working to develop domestic technologies and construct maritime platforms.

The naval chief said the navy is building large patrol craft, landing craft tanks, survey vessels, offshore patrol vessels and diving boats, while also acquiring helicopters, unmanned aircraft and modern warships from friendly countries. Initiatives are also underway to strengthen coastal surveillance through shore-based surface surveillance systems, electronic warfare facilities, advanced anti-drone systems and jamming equipment.

He said the Bangladesh Navy continues to play a key role in protecting maritime resources, combating crimes at sea, providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and contributing to international peace and security efforts, and urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold integrity, professionalism and dedication while remaining prepared to serve the nation.

The ceremony was attended by senior military and civil officials, members of parliament, vice-chancellors, foreign defence attachés and family members of the commissioned officers.