Photo: ISPR

PATUAKHALI, May 21, 2026 (BSS) – Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan today asked newly inducted sailors to devote themselves to national service with honesty, discipline, loyalty and moral values as 441 recruits formally joined the Bangladesh Navy.

The Navy Chief made the call while addressing an impressive passing-out parade of batch A-2026 at the BNS Sher-e-Bangla Parade Ground here. He attended there as the chief guest and took the salute.

The new sailors joined the force pledging allegiance to the national flag and commitment to defending the country and protecting Bangladesh’s maritime sovereignty.

Expressing optimism, Admiral Nazmul Hassan said the fresh recruits would play a leading role in safeguarding the country’s vast maritime boundary and building a stronger navy.

Later, he distributed awards among the sailors for their outstanding performances, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate release this afternoon.

Speaking on the occasion, the Navy Chief said two helicopters and two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had recently been added to the naval fleet to strengthen the capability of the three-dimensional force.

He said the process of incorporating modern platforms, including hydrographic survey vessels and anti-drone systems, was also underway.

The Navy Chief added that navy-operated shipyards were making significant contributions to building warships, landing craft tanks (LCTs) and other support platforms with indigenous capability alongside port management activities.

He also thanked naval personnel for assisting the civil administration in maintaining law and order under “In Aid to Civil Power”, ensuring security at key installations and performing duties successfully in coastal and remote areas during the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election.

Admiral Nazmul Hassan paid deep tribute to Bir Sreshtha Ruhul Amin, martyred Lieutenant Commander Moyazzem Hossain and all valiant freedom fighters and naval commandos of the Liberation War.

Among the recruits, Md Shahriar Tutul received the “Naval Chief Medal” as the best all-round sailor for securing the highest marks in professional and overall subjects.

Md Samiul Islam Shakil received the “Comkhul Medal” securing the second position, while Md Kader Mia won the “Sher-e-Bangla Medal” for obtaining the third position.

Mosammat Maria Akter earned the “Pritilata Waddedar Medal” as the best female sailor, the ISPR release added.

Senior military and civil officials, principal staff officers from Naval Headquarters, distinguished persons from Patuakhali, Barishal and Khulna regions and guardians of the new sailors attended the ceremony.