61 new officers commissioned into Bangladesh Navy
The Bangladesh Navy commissioned 61 new officers on Sunday, marking a significant step in bolstering the force's capacity to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, maritime interests and territorial waters.
The Summer President Parade for the Midshipman 2023-B Batch and Direct Entry Officer 2026-A Batch took place at the Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chattogram on 21 June 2026.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan attended the ceremony as the chief guest, inspecting the parade and taking the salute.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
A total of 54 midshipmen from the 2023-B Batch and seven direct commissioned officers from the 2026-A Batch received their commissions, including five women and two foreign nationals.
Following the parade inspection, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan presented medals to the top-performing trainees.
Midshipman Md Intisar Islam Inan, (X), BN, received the "Sword of Honour" as the best all-round midshipman.
Midshipman Sadman Sakib Pantha (X), BN, received the "Chief of Naval Staff Gold Medal" for securing second position in training.
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Md Abid Shahriar Anu (Education), BN, received the "Birshreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal" for outstanding results.
Midshipman Jehad A M Salah (X), PL, received the "BNA International Gold Medal" as the best all-round foreign midshipman.
The newly commissioned officers subsequently took a formal oath to defend the country's independence and sovereignty.
After the parade, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and invited guests presented epaulettes to the newly commissioned officers.
In his address, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan paid tribute to the supreme sacrifices of all freedom fighters and naval commandos who participated in the Liberation War.
He noted that, in line with the Prime Minister's 'Made in Bangladesh' policy for the defence industry, the Bangladesh Navy's shipyards, dockyards and Centre for Naval Research and Development are advancing domestic technology and building maritime platforms and infrastructure with local capacity.
He also said that large patrol craft, landing craft tanks, survey vessels, offshore patrol vessels, diving boats and other naval vessels are under construction, while the induction of helicopters, unmanned aircraft, advanced warships and maritime platforms from friendly nations continues.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen the Bangladesh Navy's capabilities, including shore-based surface surveillance systems, an electronic warfare centre, modern anti-drone systems and jammers in coastal areas, he added.
Admiral M Nazmul Hassan said the Bangladesh Navy plays a vital role in protecting maritime boundaries, safeguarding marine resources, combating maritime crime, providing humanitarian assistance during disasters, maintaining law and order in crises, and supporting civil authorities.
He added that the navy continues to enhance Bangladesh's profile in the international arena.
Admiral M Nazmul Hassan called on the newly commissioned officers to uphold honesty, dedication and sacrifice, work with members of other services, protect the country's sovereignty, and remain ready to serve the nation whenever required.
He congratulated the new officers and their families and expressed gratitude to the officers, instructors and naval personnel involved in staging the parade.
The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, members of parliament, senior officers from the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Air Force, vice-chancellors of various universities, defence and military attachés from several countries, senior government officials, local dignitaries, and the families of the newly commissioned officers.
