REAR ADMIRAL ABDULLAH AL MAMUN CHOWDHURY, NBP, BSP, ndc, psc

Rear Admiral Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury, NBP, BSP, ndc, psc was born on 05 August, 1967 in a noble Muslim family. He is from village Dhalai of Hathazari upazilla under Chattogram district. His father late Moulovi Abdul Halim Chawdhury was the Religious Teacher of East Bengal Regimental Centre (EBRC) at Chattogram Cantonment. He was born and brought up Chattogram Cantonment Area including his childhood, school and college life.

Professional Career Rear Admiral Mamun joined Bangladesh Navy on 29 August 1985 and got commissioned on 01 January 1988 in the Executive Branch. He has attained exceptional expertise and recognition, driven by his unwavering professionalism, integrity, strategic vision, and strong leadership in his 38 years long Naval career. In his dedicated service to Bangladesh Navy, he has served 15 years at sea as Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Warfare officer of all types of major platforms which includes Fast Attack Craft, Salvage Ship, Patrol Craft, Large Patrol Craft and Frigates. He was commissioning crew of the most prestigious Frigate of Bangladesh Navy, “BNS KHALID BIN WALID” in 2001 and later on commanded the ship in 2012-13. He had explored a variety of fields of expertise in command, staff and instructional appointments. At Naval Headquarters, he performed as Directors of important Directorates such as Director of Submarine, Director of Works, Director of Welfare, Director of Naval Training and Drafting Authority. Apart from that he was instructor of SMWT (School of Maritime Warfare and Tactics) and Navigation School.

The Admiral was the pioneer member of Blue Economy Cell under Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources (EMRD) and also contributed to establish first Directorate of Blue Economy at Naval Headquarters in 2017. As Naval Area Commander, Rear Admiral Mamun efficiently commanded all the three Naval Area of Bangladesh Navy namely Dhaka Naval Area, Khulna Naval Area and Chattogram Naval Area which is the largest Command of Bangladesh Navy. He has also commanded Western Naval Fleet of Bangladesh Navy in 2021. On being promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 2022, he also served as Assistant Chief Naval Staff (Logistics) at Naval Headquarters. The Admiral also served as Chairman, Payra Port Authority, the 3rd seaport of Bangladesh for more than one year, where he worked relentlessly to develop the port infrastructure, connectivity and operation of the port as first green sea port of Bangladesh. Rear Admiral Mamun served as the Project Director of 1st priority project namely Ashrayon-3 (Bhashan Char Project), for rehabilitation of 1 lac FDMNs. He has completed this mega project, transformed an island into habitable city within 03 years stipulated time and could successfully relocate twenty thousand FDMNs at Bhashan Char. In addition to this, he also successfully coordinated with UN, WFP, MODMR, MOFA for overall management of livelihood, habitability, security, food, medicine etc for FDMNs and all UN supporting staffs at Bhashan Char. He has done successful media coverage (2019-20) regarding Bhashan Char and FDMNs in both national and international print and electronic media. Admiral was well-appreciated nationally and internationally in bringing honor to Bangladesh Navy for successful completion of an eco-friendly first track project with all necessary utility services for FDMNs in a vast uninhabited island. The Admiral is currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) since 07 January, 2025. In this prestigious appointment he has put significant emphasis on training, welfare and personnel selection. He also focused on various vital projects like development of Navy Medical College, Navy University of Science and Technology etc. The Admiral is dedicatedly performing duties of Chairman, BIMRAD (Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research And Development) where he actively involved in research and development. As Vice Chairman of NKFTCL (Nou Kollan Foundation Trading Company Limited) and NKSLL (Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Limited), the Admiral has done a tremendous job for the welfare of the BN service and retired personnel.

Academic and Professional Qualification Rear Admiral Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury passed SSC in 1982 from Chittagong Cantonment High School and HSC in 1984 from Chittagong University College. He completed BSc from Chittagong University in 1987. In his illustrious career, the Admiral has undergone various professional courses as well, both at home and abroad. The Admiral did surface warfare Officers course from USA and Combat System Training from Netherlands. He has completed Turkish Language and Navigational Specialization course from Turkey. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur. Due to his result and proficiency in Turkish language, he obtained Masters in Defence Strategy from Turkish War College in 2008. Rear Admiral Mamun also became 1st in merit position in 64th Senior Staff Course at BPATC (Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre). Besides, he successfully completed “National Defence Course 2016” from National Defence College, Mirpur, Dhaka. The Officer has also successfully completed Strategic Level Small Craft Combating Course from School of SWADS and Center, BNS NIRVIK. Apart from these, the Admiral has also attended various courses on Leadership, Project Management, Combat System, Maritime Port and harbor security, Missile System from renowned countries like South Korea, Japan etc.

Awards and Achievements The Admiral has been decorated with various awards throughout his bright service career. His contribution in development of the Navy, commitment towards the nation and humanitarian work was duly acknowledged by Bangladesh Navy. He was awarded with highly prestigious peace time medal namely ‘Nou Bahini Padak’(Navy Medal-NBP) on 21 Nov, 2023. Apart from this, previously he was also awarded Bishisto Sheba Padak (Distinguished Service Medal -BSP). He also received the letter of Commendation twice from Chief of Naval Staff in recognition of his outstanding role and contribution to the development of the Bangladesh Navy and also in National level. During his service career he was awarded National Integrity Medal ( পদক) twice from Bangladesh Government for his outstanding work, dedication and humaniy. Other Activities and Interests Rear Admiral Mamun is well known for his urge of writing and publishing renowned journals. His writing on NDC journal 2016, writing on Blue Economy in Armed Forces Journal and Nabik were mentionable. He also takes ardent interest in travelling and playing basketball. He is a widely travelled person and visited a numerous country around the globe including USA, UK, Netherlands, Turkey, Malaysia, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Sudan, South Korea, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore etc. Rear Admiral Mamun is happily married to Aleya Akhter who is a Professor of Economics at Govt Titumir College (14th BCS). He is the proud father of a daughter and a son. His daughter, a doctor, is currently pursuing a diploma in Dhaka CMH and his son is currently serving as a Lieutenant in Bangladesh Navy.