Navy gets first batch of women sailors
The Bangladesh Navy has recruited women sailors for the first time in its history. The 44 women sailors were among the 771 new recruits inducted at the end of a passing out parade on the BNS Titumir in Khulna yesterday. The women sailors were happy to be part of the first batch to join the Navy. But this opportunity should have come to women earlier, some of the new recruits told reporters at the end of the parade. I have always mantained a respect for the Navy sailors in white. So I joined the Navy when I got the opportunity. I hope to take the country forward through my work, said Nadia Shabnam. Another sailor, Chhanda Afroz, told reporters that she was proud to be in the Navy. The job in the Navy is quite challenging. Weve been able to meet some of these challenges. I hope to contribute something good to the country, she said. As the chief guest, Bangladesh Navy chief Admiral Nijamuddin Ahmed took the salute and handed over the awards to the successful new sailors. He urged them to discharge their duties towards national security and progress, and pointed out that efforts were on to develop the Bangladesh Navy into a three-dimensional force. He pointed out that new armaments and warships have been added to the Navy, saying that two submarines would be added to the force this year. Among the new sailors, Mohammad Ariful Islam received the Naval Chief Award for the best sailor in professional and other respects. Mohammad Shahriar Ahmed came second with the Komkhul Award, and Ripa Akhtar got the third position with the Titumir Award. Deputy naval chief (personnel) Rear Admiral Shaheen Iqbal, area commander of Khulna naval region Commodore Shamsul Alam, and other high civil and military officials of Khulna and Jessore were present at the ceremony.
