Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Maritime University, Bangladesh

Rear Admiral Ashraful Hoq Chowdhury, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndu, afwc, psc, assumed the duties of 4^th Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Maritime University on 08 September 2024. The Flag Officer was commissioned in the Executive branch of Bangladesh Navy on 01 January 1988 and he is a gunnery specialized officer.  Rear Admiral Ashraf has impeccably navigated through diverse command, staff, and instructional appointments, exhibiting exceptional leadership. His maritime expertise encompasses commanding various Naval Ships, including Missile Boats, Patrol Crafts, OPV and Frigate BNS ABU BAKR. He has also commanded naval base BNS HAJI MOHSIN and held key appointments in NHQ like Deputy Director of Naval Training, Secretary to CNS and Naval Secretary. His diverse Interservice appointments include Director General Civil Military Relations in Armed Forces Division, Senior Instructor (Navy) and Directing Staff in Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Mirpur. 

The Admiral has served in number of senior command roles, namely he commanded Flotilla (West) as COMFLOT (West). On promotion to the Flag rank, he took over the command of Khulna Naval Area as COMKHUL and left his footprint of development in training of officers and sailors in that area. Thereafter the Admiral took over the helm of prestigious maritime organization, Bangladesh Coast Guard as the Director General, leaving an indelible imprint on maritime security. Rear Admiral Ashraf orchestrated substantial growth and modernization in the Coast Guard capacity building including induction of new technology such as VSAT system for advanced maritime communication. Thereafter, he joined in Naval Headquarters as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel), where he intensively worked for the development of training, welfare, education and medical services of Bangladesh Navy.

He is an alumnus of National Defence University, Beijing, Armed Forces War College, National Defence College Mirpur, Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and US Naval War College, Rhode Island. He held two masters namely Masters of Defence Studies from Bangladesh National University and Masters of Strategic Studies from National Defence University, Beijing, China. Serving under the 'Blue Helmet' mandate in the United Nations Mission in Sudan exemplified his commitment to global peacekeeping. Rear Admiral Ashraf also represented BN in various seminars and high-level delegation both at home and abroad.

A recipient of the highest peace time gallantry award "Nou Bahini Padak" (NBP), "Oshamanno Seba Padak" (OSP) for his outstanding professional excellence service in the Navy and also the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal (BCGM) for bravery, Rear Admiral Ashraf's accolades mirror of his unwavering commitment to service.

Currently, Rear Admiral Ashraf is on the helm of Bangladesh’s Prime maritime educational institute ie. Maritime University to enhance the academic and research capabilities aiming to achieve maritime excellence in Bangladesh by preparing skilled human resources for the maritime potential of the nation.