Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman successfully takes charge of CTG Port in crisis

Published : Thursday, 16 July, 2026 at 5:09 PM

Observer Online Report

One of the most visionary and experienced officers of the Navy, Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, has been a driving force in the activities of this major seaport of the country since he took charge as the Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA). This successful former commander of the naval fleet took charge of the top post of CPA on August 11, 2024. His illustrious military career, international experience, and strong leadership in resolving immediate crises are making the Chittagong Port more modern and world-class.

Recently, in the face of some complications at the Chittagong Port, a kind of apprehension and impasse had arisen among a section of berth and ship handling operators. However, the personal and direct steps of Chairman Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman quickly ended that crisis.

He himself took the initiative and held a long meeting with the workers and employees protesting in front of the port building for more than two hours. In the meeting, he assured the workers of fulfilling their reasonable demands and instructed them to join the work for the economic interests of the country. After this successful mediation and assurance by the Chairman, the workers quickly returned to work and it was possible to keep the wheels of the port running.

Making clear his strict and inflexible position to maintain order in the port, he said, 'The workers have joined the work and the port is fully operational. If anyone tries to obstruct their work now, strict legal action will be taken against them.'

To make the Chittagong Port more competitive, the Chairman has taken the timely initiative of operating the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) through an international skilled operator. He is giving the country's interests the highest priority in the overall matter, including the negotiation process of this agreement with the Dubai-based multinational company DP World.

Reiterating his nationalist and transparent position in the development of the port, he made it clear that no agreement against the country's interests will be made. He also called on all concerned quarters not to listen to any misinformation and confusion regarding this agreement.

Rear Admiral S. M., who was born in Kushtia district, Moniruzzaman passed his Higher Secondary with distinction from Comilla Cadet College in 1987. He then joined the Bangladesh Navy as an officer cadet in 1988 and was commissioned in the executive branch in 1990.

In his long career, he commanded various frontline warships including the Navy's flagship 'BNS Bangabandhu' and the Western Flotilla as 'Commander Flotilla West'. He has served in important positions at the Naval Headquarters such as Director Personnel Service (DPS), Director Blue-Economy (Ad Hoc) and Director Naval Training (DNT).

He has also demonstrated extensive administrative and institutional success as the Managing Director of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Managing Director of DEW Limited and DGMIS of the Army Welfare Organization.

He played an outstanding and courageous role in the disarmament process of three major rebel groups to ensure fair national elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations. He also successfully completed the Fleet Commanders' Conference in Australia, the Business Matching Activity under the 'Economic Development Project' in Thailand and the 'Public Private Partnership' course organized by the International Finance Corporation in the United States.

He is a highly meritorious graduate of the German Naval Academy, the Turkish Armed Forces War College and the US Naval Command College. He received four Masters and Diploma degrees, two each from Turkey and the United States. In recognition of his outstanding service, he received the 'Outstanding Service Medal' (OSP) and successfully completed 12 years of sea service with distinction.

This multi-faceted military officer, who is proficient in Turkish, German, French and English, is well-versed in his professional skills. He is an avid reader in his personal life, with a major interest in leadership. He is married to Irene Zaman and is the proud father of two sons, Muhtasim Yasar and Saran Yasar.

Port experts and economists believe that Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman's vast international experience, strategic knowledge, and administrative skills will take Chittagong Port to new heights in the future by meeting the challenges of global trade.