A senior Bangladesh Navy delegation led by Rear Admiral Moinul Hasan, Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT), embarked on a two-day official visit to Pakistan on 23 November, marking another important step in the deepening naval partnership between Dhaka and Islamabad.
Rear Admiral Hasan is accompanied by Commodore Mohammad Abdul Quader, Commander S M Elme Azam, and Captain Mohammad Shahriar Alam. The delegation will participate in the “Navy to Navy Staff Talk” and witness the signing of a new “Terms of Agreement,” signalling a strong commitment by both navies to expand collaboration across multiple domains, including joint training, operations, R&D and naval shipbuilding.
Strengthening a Warm and Growing Naval Relationship
The visit comes shortly after Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf’s successful tour of Dhaka and Chattogram earlier this month, during which he engaged extensively with Bangladesh’s naval leadership. His visit reaffirmed the mutual respect, goodwill, and shared professional values that underpin ties between the two maritime forces.
The current delegation’s trip is being coordinated through the Armed Forces Division (AFD) under Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, ensuring streamlined and productive engagements. Pakistan is hosting the delegation at its own expense—an indication of Islamabad’s commitment to further nurturing its defence relationship with Dhaka.
A Delegation Led by One of Bangladesh Navy’s Leading Modernisers
Rear Admiral Moinul Hasan’s leadership of the delegation reflects the increasing importance of bilateral naval cooperation. As COMCHIT, he oversees all administration, logistics, and training for naval units operating in the critical Chattogram region. His previous appointment as Commander Bangladesh Navy Fleet and his pioneering role as the founding Commandant of the Navy Training and Doctrine Command (NATDOC) place him at the forefront of Bangladesh’s ongoing naval modernisation.
A career naval aviator and seasoned navigator, RAdm Hasan played a central role in the development of Bangladesh’s naval aviation wing, previously serving as Commodore Naval Aviation and Commanding Officer of the Flying Wing. His professional military education includes the Defence Services Staff Course in Wellington and an MSc in Strategic Studies from Tamil Nadu University.
Engagements in Islamabad and Karachi’s Premier Naval Facilities
The visit will include high-level discussions in Islamabad followed by engagements in Karachi, home to the Pakistan Navy’s most significant operational bases and shipyard facilities. Karachi also hosts the Pakistan Navy Dockyard and the headquarters of Pakistan Marines, providing the Bangladeshi delegation a comprehensive opportunity to observe Pakistani naval operations, infrastructure, and capabilities.
These interactions are expected to strengthen interoperability, enhance training exchanges, and explore avenues for cooperation in areas such as naval aviation, logistics, doctrine development, and maritime security.
A Constructive Step Towards Future Collaboration
Rear Admiral Hasan’s visit represents a continuation of the positive momentum in Bangladesh–Pakistan naval relations. With both navies placing increasing emphasis on training, professionalism, and modernisation, the renewed engagement offers a timely platform to expand joint initiatives and support shared maritime interests.
As defence cooperation between the two nations steadily matures, such exchanges will contribute significantly to building greater understanding, strengthening institutional ties, and reinforcing the long-standing bonds between the Bangladesh Navy and Pakistan Navy.
