Chattogram, August 20 — Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, the former Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, has been placed on compulsory retirement from the Bangladesh Navy. This move follows his earlier removal from the post of Port Chairman on August 7 and his subsequent transfer to the position of Commander of Training and Doctrine within the Navy.

Rear Admiral Sohail, who was promoted from Commodore to Rear Admiral on February 22, 2022, has faced allegations that his promotion was facilitated as a favor from the Sheikh Hasina government, despite not having commanded any ships or bases or completed significant military courses, which are typically prerequisites for such a promotion.

During his tenure as Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, Sohail was controversially awarded the "Purity Award" by the Ministry of Shipping last year, a recognition intended to encourage ethical practices. His appointment as Chairman of Payra Port Authority in February 2022 preceded his role at Chittagong Port, which he assumed on April 12, 2023.

Rear Admiral Sohail's career also includes a notable tenure as the Director of RAB's Legal and Media Wing from 2010, during which time he faced serious allegations, including accusations of involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The decision to retire Rear Admiral Sohail marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of military and government officials linked to the former Awami League administration.