A Biography of Dr. Abdul Malik

Introduction

On 5 December 2023, at 9:30 in the morning, the sound of life support in the ICU of the National Heart Foundation Hospital in Dhaka fell silent. Lying there was an elderly man with snow-white hair, a peaceful and radiant face. After a long struggle with pneumonia and various age-related complications, he breathed his last. National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik, the father of cardiology in Bangladesh, bid farewell forever. He was 94 years old. As news spread, from the medical community to ordinary people, everyone was stunned with grief. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences. A pall of gloom descended over the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and the National Heart Foundation. He had wished that there be no extravagance at his death – a simple funeral prayer, and then his final rest in the soil of his village in Sylhet. His wish was fulfilled. This report tells the complete story of that legendary physician – from a farmer’s son in South Surma, Sylhet, to a star mark in matriculation, a student of Dhaka Medical College, a doctor in the Pakistan Army, advanced training in London, the architect of the first open-heart surgery in Pakistan, the foundation of cardiology care in independent Bangladesh, receiving the National Professor title and the Independence Award, and finally, his death from pneumonia – the story of an unparalleled journey of dreams.

At a Glance: Life of Dr. Abdul Malik

Information	Details	Thriller Note
Full Name	National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik	‘Malik’ means ruler; he was the ruler of hearts
Birth	1 December 1929, South Surma, Sylhet (then British India)	Born into a respected Muslim family in the final days of British rule
Death	5 December 2023, National Heart Foundation Hospital, Dhaka (age 94)	Breathed his last due to pneumonia and age-related complications
Father’s Name	Maulvi Furkan Ali	Religious scholar and social worker
Mother’s Name	Sayeda Nurunnisa Khatun	Homemaker
Education	Matriculation from Sylhet Government Pilot High School (1947); ISC from MC College Sylhet (1949); MBBS from Dhaka Medical College (1954); advanced training in Cardiology from Hammersmith Hospital, London (1964-66)	From a meritorious student to an internationally renowned cardiologist
Profession	Joined Pakistan Army Medical Corps (1955); retired as Brigadier; Professor (BSMMU & NICVD); Founder & Advisor, National Heart Foundation	Nearly seven decades of medical service
Highest Honours	Independence Award (2004), National Professor (2006)	The highest state honours
International Fellowships	FRCP (Edinburgh), FACC (USA), FCCP (USA)	International recognition
Special Achievements	First successful open-heart surgery in Pakistan (1970); First successful open-heart surgery in Bangladesh (18 September 1981)	Milestones in cardiology care in two countries
Founded Institutions	National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), National Heart Foundation, Bangladesh Cardiac Society, South Asian Cardiac Society	The foundation of cardiology care in Bengal
Known As	‘Father of Cardiology in Bangladesh’	The founding father of the country’s cardiology care

Hidden between the lines of each entry in the table are the stories of a dedicated physician’s devotion and service.

Early Life and Family Background (1929-1945)

On 1 December 1929, Abdul Malik was born into a respected Muslim family in South Surma, Sylhet district, then British India. His father, Maulvi Furkan Ali, was a religious scholar and social worker. He was a respected figure in the area and played an important role in promoting Islamic education. His mother, Sayeda Nurunnisa Khatun, was a homemaker. Dr. Malik was their third child.

From childhood, Abdul Malik was highly intelligent and of a calm disposition. He began his primary education in a village pathshala. His childhood was spent amidst the natural beauty of Sylhet, its hills, and tea gardens. His father wanted his son to study, grow up, and devote himself to serving people. Even as a child, Dr. Malik had deep compassion for the sick. He would take unwell villagers to his father and help care for them.

Maulvi Furkan Ali was a deeply spiritual man, but he encouraged his children to receive modern education. He believed that progress was possible only through acquiring knowledge. So he did not stop his sons from attending English-medium schools. After completing his primary education, Abdul Malik enrolled at Sylhet Government Pilot High School. This school was a traditional educational institution in Sylhet. There, his thirst for knowledge grew even more.

According to a childhood friend’s reminiscence, young Dr. Malik once saw an elderly villager suffering from a heart condition and was deeply pained. That very day, he made a vow to his mother: “I will grow up to become a doctor and save people.” He kept this vow throughout his life.

Education (1947-1954)

In 1947, Abdul Malik passed his Matriculation (SSC) examination from Sylhet Government Pilot High School. He achieved a first division with over 75% marks and earned a ‘star mark’. This was a rare achievement at that time. For this result, he received a government scholarship.

He then enrolled at MC College in Sylhet, which was one of the best colleges in then East Pakistan. He passed his ISC (Intermediate Science) examination in 1949. Among students from all of Pakistan (both East and West wings), he secured 11th position. This was an extraordinary achievement.

For higher education, he moved to Dhaka and enrolled at Dhaka Medical College (then the premier medical institution of East Pakistan). In 1954, he earned his MBBS degree. During his time at DMC, he was known among his professors as a brilliant and hardworking student. His classmates remember him as ‘industrious’ and ‘helpful’.

At Dhaka Medical College, a teacher named Dr. Mahmud Hasan sparked his interest in cardiology. At that time, specialised study of heart disease was not common, but Abdul Malik understood that heart disease was increasing and that skilled specialists were needed for its treatment. This decision later led him to the UK for advanced training in cardiology.

Joining the Pakistan Army Medical Corps (1955)

In June 1955, just a year after graduating, Abdul Malik joined the Pakistan Army Medical Corps. At that time, job opportunities for doctors were relatively good, but he chose the army because he felt it would give him the opportunity to serve people from all parts of the country.

He quickly caught the attention of his superiors with his competence and dedication. He gained experience by providing medical care at various cantonments.

Before joining the Pakistan Army, he had worked at various clinics in Dhaka for some time. But the army’s discipline and the opportunity for national service attracted him. After 1971, he also served in the Bangladesh Army for a while and retired with the rank of Brigadier. During his military career, he also taught at the Defence Services Medical Academy.

Advanced Training in the United Kingdom (1963-1966)

In 1963, Dr. Abdul Malik went to the United Kingdom for advanced medical training. First, in 1964, he earned the MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians) from the Royal College of Physicians in Glasgow, Scotland. Achieving this within a year demonstrated his extraordinary intellect.

He then underwent advanced training in cardiology from 1964 to 1966 at Hammersmith Hospital in London. Hammersmith Hospital is a leading postgraduate medical school in the UK, affiliated with Imperial College London. There, under the guidance of world-renowned cardiologists, he mastered modern heart treatment techniques, catheterisation, echocardiography, and open-heart surgery procedures.

While in London, he also participated in research projects of the British Heart Foundation. That experience greatly helped him later build the infrastructure for cardiology care in Bangladesh. He also completed internships and observations at various hospitals in Britain.

After completing his training, he returned to Pakistan in 1966. Although his teachers asked him to stay in London, he decided to return home. He said, “The people of my country need medical care; I will go back there.”

The First Successful Open-Heart Surgery in Pakistan (1970)

In March 1966, Dr. Abdul Malik established a cardiac unit at the Military Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This is now known as the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC). He trained nurses and other staff to run the unit.

In March 1970, the first successful open-heart surgery in Pakistan’s history was performed at this unit. It was a landmark event. For this success, the then Pakistan government honoured him with a national award and promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After this surgery, he began giving lectures in various cities of Pakistan, promoting the importance of heart disease treatment. At that time, ordinary Pakistanis had to go abroad for heart problems, which was not possible for many. Dr. Malik demonstrated that advanced treatment was possible within the country. His success created a stir in both military and civilian medical circles of the subcontinent.

The then Commandant of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), General A. K. M. Shamsuzzoha, praised him, saying, “Dr. Malik’s efforts made it possible for the first time to perform complex heart surgery on Pakistani soil; this is a milestone.”

Returning Home and Meeting Bangabandhu (1970-1971)

In June 1970, Dr. Abdul Malik returned to Dhaka. He established a cardiac unit at the then Post Graduate Medicine and Research Institute (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) and joined as a professor. He worked here for about eight years.

During this time, he came into contact with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After independence, when Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani fell seriously ill with heart disease, Dr. Abdul Malik and his colleague Dr. Jamal Nazrul Islam brought Bhashani to PG Hospital (now BSMMU) by helicopter and treated him. Bangabandhu himself would regularly visit the hospital to inquire about Bhashani’s condition. Through this, Bangabandhu became acquainted with Dr. Malik and became aware of his skills.

Bangabandhu praised Dr. Malik’s contribution to cardiology. Once, Bangabandhu told Dr. Malik, “I have heard that you performed the first open-heart surgery in West Pakistan. In independent Bangladesh, you will do even better.” These words inspired Dr. Malik greatly.

During the Liberation War of 1971, Dr. Malik was in Pakistan, but he supported the war of independence. After independence, he continued his duties under the Bangladesh government without resigning.

Dr. Malik’s Contribution (1972-1978)

After independence, Bangladesh’s health sector was in shambles. The number of hospitals was limited, and there was no proper system for heart disease treatment. Foreign doctors were unwilling to come. In this situation, Dr. Abdul Malik was determined to establish modern cardiology care in Bangladesh.

He had been working since 1970, running the cardiac unit at PG Hospital. After independence, he received full cooperation from the government. He began training young doctors.

During this time, he also received support from the Bangladesh government and then-President Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman praised Dr. Malik’s plans for developing the health sector and ensured government patronage for establishing the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Until 1978, Dr. Malik served as a professor at PG Hospital. During that time, he trained many new doctors who later became the backbone of cardiology care in Bangladesh. Among them, Dr. Nazrul Islam, Dr. Sirajul Haque Khan, Dr. Shahabuddin are particularly noteworthy. Under Dr. Malik’s supervision, the hospital’s cardiac unit gradually expanded.

Establishing the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (1978)

In 1978, Dr. Abdul Malik’s dream project was realised. He established the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. It is the largest heart disease treatment and research centre in Bangladesh.

He joined NICVD as a professor and worked there until 1989. Through this institution, he strived to elevate Bangladesh’s cardiology care to international standards.

During NICVD’s establishment, he enlisted the cooperation of the government, armed forces, and various non-governmental organisations. Thanks to his planning and persistent efforts, the institution became operational within just a few years.

After establishing NICVD, he launched special programmes to train doctors, nurses, and technicians. He also travelled abroad to procure modern equipment.

The then President Ziaur Rahman inaugurated this institute, and under his guidance, a new journey of cardiology care in Bangladesh began. Dr. Malik then decided that through this institute, he would perform the first open-heart surgery in Bangladesh.

The First Successful Open-Heart Surgery in Bangladesh (18 September 1981)

18 September 1981. A glorious day in Bangladesh’s medical history. Under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Malik, the first successful open-heart surgery was performed on Bangladeshi soil at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. The patient was a middle-aged man. He was successfully operated on and returned to a normal life.

In this surgery, Dr. Malik was assisted by Dr. Major General Mahmudur Rahman (then Major) and other specialist physicians. Despite many adversities due to the lack of advanced equipment at that time, the surgery was made possible.

After this success, Dr. Malik said, “Bangladesh became independent in 1971, and it took us 10 years to perform open-heart surgery. But we did it. Now no one needs to go abroad.”

That day’s successful operation marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s health sector. Gradually, open-heart surgeries began in various hospitals across the country, and advanced heart treatment came within reach of ordinary people.

After this event, Dr. Malik rarely gave interviews to the media, but his colleagues, recalling him, say, “That day, after the surgery, he came out of the operation theatre and shed tears. Seeing it with his own eyes, all the hardships melted away.”

Establishing and Expanding the National Heart Foundation (1978)

The same year (1978), Dr. Abdul Malik founded another important institution – the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, located in Mirpur, Dhaka. He served as the Founder-President and Advisor of this foundation.

The institution began as a small clinic, which gradually expanded into a major centre for heart disease treatment across Bangladesh. Today, it has become a large hospital and research institute. Thousands of patients receive treatment here every day.

Dr. Malik wanted ordinary people to receive advanced heart treatment at low cost. At the National Heart Foundation, he arranged for international standard medical care at affordable prices. For this, he sought help from various donor agencies and the government.

In recognition of the institution’s special contribution, on 31 May 2018, the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare awarded it the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ award. This award was given for the institution’s role in tobacco control and heart disease prevention in Bangladesh.

The National Heart Foundation is now one of the country’s leading private hospitals. Dr. Malik’s daughter, Professor Dr. Fazilatunnesa Malik, now serves as the Senior Chief Consultant of the institution, following in her father’s footsteps.

Until 2009, he was active as an advisor to the foundation. After that, due to health reasons, he stepped back somewhat, but the institution continued to be guided by his direction.

Establishing the National Centre for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Diseases (1987-1989)

In 1987, Dr. Abdul Malik undertook another important project. He established the ‘National Centre for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Diseases’ at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital. He served as the Project Director of this centre from 1987 to 1989.

Rheumatic fever is a devastating disease that destroys the valves of the heart. Children and adolescents are particularly affected. Dr. Malik implemented an effective programme to control this disease. He introduced screening programmes in educational institutions and raised awareness through the media.

He took on this responsibility even after retiring from government service, demonstrating his dedication to the country. Through this centre, thousands of children received free treatment, and significant progress was made in preventing rheumatic heart disease.

After this project ended, he focused entirely on private practice and institutional management. But he never distanced himself, regularly giving consultations.

Founder of the Bangladesh Cardiac Society and the South Asian Cardiac Society

Dr. Abdul Malik played a pioneering role not only in medical institutions but also in professional organisations for physicians. In 1980, he founded the Bangladesh Cardiac Society and served as its president until 2005.

Through this organisation, cardiologists in Bangladesh got the opportunity to work on a single platform. Through regular conferences, workshops, and research, the society played an important role in the development of cardiology in Bangladesh. Under Dr. Malik’s leadership, the society also began working with international organisations.

He was also the founding president of the South Asian Cardiac Society, leading it from 1976 to 2000. Through this organisation, cardiologists from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives got the opportunity to work together. Dr. Malik achieved groundbreaking progress in subcontinental cardiology care through this society.

He also served as a member of the WHO Expert Panel Committee on Cardiovascular Diseases from 1976 to 2000, playing an important role in formulating heart disease control policies for developing countries.

Association with the Ispahani Islamia Heart Foundation and Other Organisations

Dr. Abdul Malik was associated with many other institutions throughout his career. He was also a founder of the Ispahani Islamia Heart Foundation, which runs a large hospital in Dhaka. He worked there as an advisor and consultant.

He worked with various international organisations such as the International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ISFC) and the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiology. He was also associated with the American Heart Association.

These international involvements helped elevate Bangladesh’s heart disease research to a global standard. He presented key papers at many international conferences, including a notable lecture titled ‘Developing Countries and Heart Disease’.

Retirement as Brigadier and Subsequent Career

Dr. Abdul Malik served in the medical corps of the Pakistan and Bangladesh armies for a long time. He was promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Brigadier. He retired from government service around 1978, but his healthcare activities continued.

His role as a senior military physician was important. He ensured heart disease treatment and fitness for armed forces members. He also played an important role in installing modern cardiac equipment in military hospitals.

After retirement, he focused fully on civilian medical administration and institution management. He spent time managing the National Heart Foundation and other institutions and regularly saw patients. He was active until the age of 95, giving consultations until shortly before his physical decline.

His student and colleague, Dr. A. B. M. Abdullah, said, “Even in old age, he would come to the hospital every morning. He would walk around in his wheelchair, talk to patients. This dedication is truly unique.”

Independence Award (2004) and National Professor (2006)

In March 2004, Dr. Abdul Malik was awarded the ‘Independence Award’, Bangladesh’s highest civilian honour. Then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia presented the award at a ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Hall. He received this award for his extraordinary contributions to health and medical science. The award included a gold medal, one lakh taka, and a citation.

In his brief acceptance speech, he said, “I have spent my life trying to serve the people of my country. This award will inspire me even more.”

On 2 February 2006, the Government of Bangladesh appointed him a ‘National Professor’. The position of National Professor was given for five years, renewable thereafter. That year, he was honoured with this title along with Dr. M. A. Mannan, Dr. M. R. Khan, and Dr. Nurul Islam.

As a National Professor, he received a monthly honorarium of 15,000 taka and other benefits. This honour was given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the country’s education and health sectors.

Besides awards and honours, he was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (Scotland), the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, the American College of Cardiology, and the American College of Chest Physicians. These fellowships were symbols of international recognition.

Personal Life

Dr. Abdul Malik was extremely simple, gentle, and humble in his personal life. He married Ashrafunnesa Khatun, a social worker. They had three children – one daughter, Fazilatunnesa Malik (a professor of cardiology), and two sons, Masud Malik (an industrialist) and Monjur Malik (a researcher living in Canada). His daughter, Fazilatunnesa Malik, follows in her father’s footsteps, serving as Senior Chief Consultant at the National Heart Foundation. She is known as an affectionate and skilled physician to patients, just like her father.

Dr. Malik was proud of his daughter. In an interview, he once said, “I want my children to serve people. Fazilatunnesa became a doctor; that is a great achievement for me.”

His son Masud Malik contributes to the country’s economy as an industrial entrepreneur. Monjur Malik works as a researcher in Canada. Dr. Malik’s wife, Ashrafunnesa Khatun, was the source of all his strength. She always stood by Dr. Malik. After her death, Dr. Malik appeared somewhat alone, but his children took care of him.

He was not very conscious of his own health; busy treating others, he would neglect his own body. He would go to the hospital every morning, often staying until night. It is known that he would personally pay for the treatment of poor village patients. He was not against extremism or superstition, but he gave utmost importance to medical science.

Treating Maulana Bhashani and Association with Bangabandhu

One particular event left a deep impression on Dr. Abdul Malik’s life. After independence, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani suffered a serious heart attack. Dr. Abdul Malik and Dr. Jamal Nazrul Islam brought him to PG Hospital (now BSMMU) by helicopter and treated him.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would regularly visit the hospital to inquire about Bhashani’s condition. Through this, Dr. Malik would meet him. Bangabandhu asked him, “Are you a cardiologist? I have heard about your open-heart surgery in Pakistan.” Dr. Malik humbly responded.

From then on, Bangabandhu praised Dr. Malik’s skill and encouraged him to develop cardiology care in independent Bangladesh. Bangabandhu said, “Our country needs to develop healthcare. You doctors lead the way there.”

This inspiration helped Dr. Malik remain devoted to the development of cardiology care in the country throughout his life. He always respected Bangabandhu. After his death, he took a vow to realise Bangabandhu’s dream.

Important Role in Tobacco Control and Award (2018)

Dr. Abdul Malik not only treated disease but also believed in prevention. Identifying tobacco as a major risk factor for heart disease, he played an important role in tobacco control. The National Heart Foundation he founded led anti-tobacco campaigns.

The institution organised hundreds of seminars, poster campaigns, and television programmes to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products. Dr. Malik himself regularly spoke at these events. He would say, “The smoke from one cigarette is poison for the heart. If people don’t smoke, the incidence of heart disease will drop by half.”

On 31 May 2018, the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare awarded the National Heart Foundation the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ award. This award was given in recognition of the institution’s role in tobacco control and heart disease prevention.

At the award ceremony, Dr. Abdul Malik’s contributions were remembered on behalf of the institution. Although he was not physically present himself, his institution was proud to receive this recognition in his absence.

Other Awards and Honours (2008, 2019)

In 2008, Professor Dr. Abdul Malik received the ‘Sandoz Gold Award’ introduced by Novartis Bangladesh. This is a prestigious award in the pharmaceutical industry, given for special contributions to medical science.

In 2019, the Sahera-Hasan Memorial Trust handed him the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. This award was given on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Sahera-Hasan Memorial Hospital. Since Dr. Abdul Malik was ill and could not attend the ceremony, his daughter, Professor Dr. Fazilatunnesa Malik, and his son-in-law, Dr. Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, received the award on his behalf.

At the award ceremony, Fazilatunnesa Malik said, “My father has served people all his life. This award is recognition of his long career.”

Dr. Malik received countless other honours and recognitions in his life, but he never boasted about them. He believed the true reward is the smile of a cured patient.

Extremism and Criticism

There were hardly any controversies or criticisms in Dr. Abdul Malik’s life. His career was completely transparent and dedicated. He never created dissent or controversy. Some people criticised him for ‘working during the Pakistani era’, but that statement was proven false, as he worked wholeheartedly for the country after Bangladesh’s independence.

Because of his dedication and professionalism, he was respected in all circles. He was praised by Bangabandhu and also received respect from post-independence governments. Throughout his life, he was only busy treating patients and never got involved in political controversies.

His colleague, Dr. Saiful Islam, said, “We have never seen Professor Malik Sir speak loudly. He was calm, amiable, always ready to help everyone. What better example could there be?”

Final Years and Illness (2022-2023)

At the end of 2022, Dr. Abdul Malik’s health began to decline. He was approaching 93. He contracted pneumonia and developed various age-related complications. His breathing difficulties increased. He was admitted to the National Heart Foundation Hospital. Dr. Malik wished not to go to the hospital, but agreed at the request of his family and doctors.

He returned home after recovering once, but illness struck again. At the end of November 2023, his condition became critical. On the morning of 5 December, he was put on life support. Within moments, doctors announced his death.

Before his death, Dr. Malik told his daughter, “Let me be laid to rest in the soil of my village in Sylhet. There, beside my father’s grave.” His daughter fulfilled that wish.

As news spread, the medical community and the general public were grief-stricken. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences, saying, “The nation has lost a great physician with the death of National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik. His contribution will remain ever-memorable.”

Funeral and Burial (6 December 2023)

Dr. Abdul Malik’s first funeral prayer was held on 5 December after Zuhr prayers at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) premises. Thousands of physicians, teachers, patients, and ordinary people attended.

The next day, 6 December, a second funeral prayer was held at the National Heart Foundation premises (Mirpur, Dhaka). Many people also paid their last respects there.

His body was then taken to Sylhet. After a third funeral prayer at his village home, he was buried in the family graveyard. He was laid to rest in the soil of his own home.

His grave is located in the family cemetery in South Surma, Sylhet. Every year on his death anniversary, prayers and milad mahfils are held there.

National Mourning and Reactions to His Death

Dr. Malik’s death left the medical community of Bangladesh stunned. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Health Minister Zahid Maleque, Professor Dr. M. A. Muhit, and others expressed condolences.

The Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Bangladesh Cardiac Society, National Heart Foundation, and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases separately arranged condolence meetings.

Dr. Zahid Maleque (then Health Minister) said, “Dr. Abdul Malik was the light of our education. It was under his leadership that the development of cardiology care in Bangladesh became possible.”

In a statement, the Bangladesh Cardiac Society said, “There is no one who can fill the void left by National Professor Dr. Malik.”

Countless posts and tributes were published online in his memory. Millions of people paid him respect.

Legacy and Initiatives to Preserve His Memory

Dr. Abdul Malik’s legacy is immense. The institutions he founded continue even after his death, managed by his daughter and colleagues. Although no road or building in Dhaka has been named after him, there is a proposal to build a ‘Dr. Abdul Malik Auditorium’ at the National Heart Foundation. The Ministry of Health took an initiative on this matter in early 2024.

Plans are underway to establish a Dr. Abdul Malik Memorial Library and Research Centre at his ancestral home in South Surma, Sylhet. His family and local administration have jointly taken the initiative.

His dream was for Bangladesh to become heart-disease-free. His institutions continue to work towards fulfilling that dream. Every Victory Day and Independence Day, his contributions are remembered.

Major Events in the Life of National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik

• 1929 – 1 December: Born in South Surma, Sylhet.
• 1947 – Passed Matriculation from Sylhet Government Pilot High School (first division with star mark).
• 1949 – Passed ISC from MC College Sylhet (11th position in all Pakistan).
• 1954 – Passed MBBS from Dhaka Medical College.
• 1955 – Joined Pakistan Army Medical Corps as Lieutenant.
• 1963-64 – Earned MRCP from Royal College of Physicians, Glasgow, UK.
• 1964-66 – Advanced training in Cardiology at Hammersmith Hospital, London.
• 1966 – Established cardiac unit at Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; later promoted to Brigadier.
• 1970 – March: Performed first successful open-heart surgery in Pakistan; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
• 1970 – June: Joined as Professor of Cardiology at PG Hospital, Dhaka.
• 1971 – Bangladesh Liberation War; Dr. Malik was in Pakistan but supported the war.
• 1978 – Established National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD).
• 1978 – Established National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh; retired from army as Brigadier.
• 1980 – Founding President of Bangladesh Cardiac Society (until 2005).
• 1981 – 18 September: Performed first successful open-heart surgery in Bangladesh.
• 1987-89 – Project Director, National Centre for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Diseases.
• 2004 – Received Independence Award.
• 2006 – 2 February: Appointed National Professor.
• 2008 – Received Sandoz Gold Award (Novartis Bangladesh).
• 2018 – 31 May: National Heart Foundation received ‘World No Tobacco Day’ award.
• 2019 – Received Lifetime Achievement Award from Sahera-Hasan Memorial Trust.
• 2022 – Health began to decline; contracted pneumonia.
• 2023 – 5 December: Breathed his last (age 94).
• 2023 – 6 December: Buried in South Surma, Sylhet.

National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik is Immortal

National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik is an unforgettable figure in the field of cardiology in Bangladesh. He was not just a physician; he was a teacher, researcher, organiser, and a unique example of human service. Under his leadership, the first open-heart surgery in Pakistan and the first open-heart surgery in Bangladesh became possible. He built important institutions like the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, the National Heart Foundation, the Bangladesh Cardiac Society, and the South Asian Cardiac Society. He was honoured with the country’s highest award, the Independence Award, and the title of National Professor. International fellowships and lifetime achievement awards testify to his international reputation. He treated Maulana Bhashani and earned praise from Bangabandhu. But more importantly, he was a humble, simple, compassionate human being. He prioritised patient care over his own health. He was never extravagant, never arrogant.

On 5 December 2023, he passed away after contracting pneumonia. His death marked the fall of a pillar of Bangladesh’s medical community. But he left behind his institutions, the team of doctors he trained, his research, and countless cured patients. His daughter, Dr. Fazilatunnesa Malik, follows in his footsteps. His dreams and ideals will guide future generations. Dr. Abdul Malik was truly the ‘Father of Cardiology in Bangladesh’. He is eternal, ever-memorable.

The thriller does not end. Dr. Abdul Malik’s name is engraved in the stones of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and the National Heart Foundation. Thousands of patients receive treatment at his institutions every day; hundreds of doctors work according to the lessons he taught. He is gone, but the light of his service will forever shine in the hearts of Bengalis. National Professor Dr. Abdul Malik is immortal.