Dhaka: Bangladesh Navy Chief Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah-ul-Azim has been promoted to the rank of Admiral. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman adorned the Navy Chief with the Admiral rank badges at Air Headquarters, as mentioned in an ISPR release this afternoon. The Prime Minister, who is the Head of the Government, extended his congratulations to the Navy Chief on this occasion. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and other senior military officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Admiral Khondkar Misbah-ul-Azim took office as the Chief of Naval Staff on July 23, 2026, for a three-year term. His journey with the Bangladesh Navy began when he joined on January 1, 1987, and was later commissioned in the Executive Branch on July 1, 1989, after completing his naval training from the Royal Malaysian Navy. He achieved first place in merit and seniority in his 87-A batch. Admiral Azim holds a PhD in Maritime Governance from Bangladesh University of Professionals and has earned an MPhil along with three master's degrees in strategic, defence, and operational studies.
Throughout his career spanning nearly four decades, Admiral Azim has held key command, staff, and leadership positions within the Bangladesh Navy. His roles have included Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Commander Dhaka Naval Area, and Director Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters. He has commanded multiple Bangladesh Navy warships and served as an instructor at the Bangladesh Naval Academy and other defense institutions. Internationally, he contributed to UN peacekeeping missions and most recently served as Bangladesh's ambassador to Oman.
Admiral Azim has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Navy Medal (NBP) and Chief of Naval Staff's Commendation Insignia. He has also been honored with the Bir Shreshtha Ruhul Amin Award and several other accolades for his contributions to the Navy. Beyond his professional duties, Admiral Azim is active in research and writing on maritime security and naval strategy. He is married to Begum Nurtaj Azim and they have two daughters.