Outgoing Navy Chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban here this afternoon. “During the meeting, the outgoing naval chief expressed his gratitude to the President for providing overall cooperation and guidance in performing his assignments,” President’s press secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS after the meeting. The President was apprised by the navy chief about the implementation and progress of the programmes undertaken by the incumbent government for the development of the Navy and its future action plans. The Navy has now become a three-dimensional force at present, the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces mentioned. He said efforts should be continued to make the naval force a modern and smart force to ensure the security of the marine area along with protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. The Head of State thanked the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff for performing his assignments with devotion and sincerity. His (navy chief) talent and wisdom have contributed positively to the development of the Navy, the President said. President’s Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam and Secretary (Attached) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were present there.