In War and Peace
Invincible at Sea

Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim joined Bangladesh Navy on 01 January 1987 and was commissioned in the Executive Branch on 01 July 1989 after successfully completing basic training at the Royal Malaysian Navy with distinction. He ranked first in his batch of 87A.

Admiral holds a PhD in Contemporary Maritime Governance from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), along with an MPhil and three master’s degrees in Strategic, Defence and Operational Studies from renowned institutions at home and abroad. He successfully completed Staff Course at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) at the National Defence College (NDC) with distinction. In his student life, he received the Chancellor's Award from the Hon'ble President for being placed in the coveted combined merit list in both Secondary and Higher Secondary Certificate examinations.

During his distinguished naval career spanning nearly four decades, Admiral Azim held numerous command, staff and instructional appointments. His key appointments include Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT), Commander Dhaka Naval Area (COMDHAKA), Commander Submarine (COMSUB), Director Naval Operations and Director Naval Plans at Naval Headquarters. He commanded almost all types of Bangladesh Navy ships, including Bangladesh Navy Frigate BNS UMAR FAROOQ and warships, namely, BNS S R AMIN, BNS NIRBHOY and BNS SAIKAT. He commanded naval establishments such as BNS TITUMIR and Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA). He served as an instructor at Bangladesh Naval Academy, DSCSC, and NDC (AFWC).

In international engagement, Admiral served in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Lebanon and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also served as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Sultanate of Oman, where he made significant contributions in strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and promoting welfare of the Bangladeshi community.

Admiral Azim was awarded with the Nou-Bahini Padak (NBP), the Navy's highest peacetime award, the Navy Efficiency Medal (Nau Parodorshita Padak - NPP), the National Integrity Award and the National Scout Award (Silver Hilsa Medal). He also received the Chief of Naval Staff's Commendation on three occasions. He earned the Best Individual Research Paper Award both in Staff Course (DSCSC) and in Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) and the Best Student Award in Anti-Submarine Warfare specialization course.

An avid reader and writer, Admiral Azim has authored a number of articles on maritime, defence and strategic affairs. His interests include basketball, chess and table tennis. He is fluent in Bangla and English and has working knowledge on Malay and French.

Admiral Azim is married to Begum Nurtaz Azim and they are blessed with two daughters.