Commodore Mohammed Nurul Absar, a former military officer who served 38 years in active duty, has been appointed as Chairman of Cox’s Bazar Development Authority for a three-year term.
A government notification was issued on Tuesday in this regard.
Born in Moheshkhali Upazilla of Cox's Bazar district, Absar was the naval secretary from 2009 to 2013 when he played an instrumental role in the policy formulation and development of the Bangladesh Navy.
During his career in the Navy he served in various command and staff appointments both in establishments and the Fleet.
He also took interest in different issues related to national security, Maritime Strategy, Military Doctrine, Cyber Security, and Geopolitics.
From 2016 onwards, he was associated with National Defence College of Dhaka where he was a faculty member looking after MPhil thesis projects of the offices of the rank of Brigadier General / Major Generals, Commodores, Joint Secretaries and more.
He is an experienced peace keeper who served in Liberia and Rwanda in different capacities. He taught the subject in the Staff College.
Moreover, he has also conceived the training curriculum for the officers of Staff College on Disaster Relief Operation.
While serving in the UN Missions he was Deputy Chief Operation Officer, who was tasked to help the SRSG in planning and conduct of mission's different operations.
In 2013, he was attached to National Security of Intelligence (NSI) of Bangladesh. During this tenure he served as Director of different wings.
He was also a member of the National Committee on Cyber Security and Physical Security of Rooppur Nuclear Plant. He played an instrumental role in planning and conceiving the national security plans with regard to Nuclear Power Plants' related issues.
He was awarded with the Letter of Commendation from the First Sea Lord, UK for distinction in the course. He also received the Commendation of the Chief of Naval Staff for standing 1st Class First in Graduation of Electronic Engineering Course from Belgrade University.
He was awarded with the distinguished Peace-Time Medal for contributing in human resource Development of Bangladesh Navy.
The Cox’s Bazar Development Authority, which is under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, was established in July 2015 following the passage of an act in the Parliament.
The Authority is responsible for developing the plans to turn Cox's Bazar into a major tourist city. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed them to develop the city with a master plan.
