With the great vow to protect the motherland, preserve national interests and ensure the security of the maritime border, 61 new officers joined the progress of the Bangladesh Navy. On Sunday (June 21), a glorious, spectacular and colorful summer presidential parade of the Midshipman 2023-B and Direct Entry Officer 2026-A batches was held at the Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chittagong as per the traditional tradition.

A release sent by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan was present as the chief guest and inspected the pleasant parade and took the salute.

A total of 61 new officers, including 54 Midshipmen of the 2023-B batch and 7 Direct Commissioned Officers of the 2026-A batch of the Bangladesh Navy, were commissioned through the ceremony. Among the newly commissioned officers, 5 are women and two are foreign officers.

After inspecting the colorful parade, the Navy Chief presented the glorious medals to the trainees who excelled in various subjects. Among the newly commissioned officers, Midshipman Md. Intisar Islam Inan, BNA received the ‘Sword of Honor’ as the best midshipman in all subjects. Midshipman Sadman Shakib Pant, BN, received the ‘Navy Chief Gold Medal’ as the second place winner in the training and Direct Commissioned Officer Acting Sub Lieutenant Md. Abid Shahriar Anu, received the ‘Bir Shrestha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal’ as the best foreign midshipman.

In addition, Midshipman Jehad A. M. Salah received the ‘BNA International Gold Medal’ as the best foreign midshipman. Later, the newly commissioned officers formally took the oath with the great vow to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country.

After the parade, the Navy Chief presented epaulettes to the guests and guardians of the midshipmen who had completed their training.

At the beginning of his speech, the Navy Chief recalled with deep respect the supreme sacrifice of all the brave freedom fighters and naval commandos who participated in the great war of independence.

He said that in the light of the Prime Minister's 'Made in Bangladesh' policy in the defense industry, the shipyards, dockyards and CNRD run by the Navy are working to develop indigenous technology and build maritime platforms and infrastructure with their own capabilities. In addition to building large patrol craft, LCT, survey vessel, ORPV, diving boat and other vessels, the addition of helicopters, unmanned aircraft, modern warships and maritime platforms of various capabilities from friendly countries is ongoing.

He further said that as part of enhancing the Navy's capacity, the activities of installing Shore-Based Surface Surveillance System, Electronic Warfare Center, state-of-the-art anti-drone system and jammer in coastal areas are also progressing.

The Navy Chief said that in addition to protecting the sovereignty of the maritime border, protecting marine resources, suppressing crime at sea, providing humanitarian assistance in natural disasters, maintaining law and order during crises and performing duties under 'In Aid to Civil Power', the Bangladesh Navy is also brightening the country's image in the international arena.

He urged the new officers to be strengthened by the mantra of honesty, dedication and self-sacrifice, stand shoulder to shoulder with members of other forces, protect the country's sovereignty and always be ready to dedicate themselves to any need of the country.

The parade was attended by the Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation, members of parliament, senior officers of the army, navy and air force, vice-chancellors of various universities, defense and military attaches from various countries, senior government officials, local dignitaries and guardians of newly commissioned officers.