The government yesterday appointed Rear Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed as the navy chief.

His appointment takes effect on January 27 when he will be promoted to vice admiral. He will replace the incumbent, Admiral Farid Habib, as he goes into retirement.

Ahmed will hold the office for three years, said a gazette notification by the defence ministry.

The government recently upgraded the rank of vice admiral to admiral and air marshal to air chief marshal to make them equal to the rank of general in Bangladesh Army.