National Professor Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik
MRCP, FCCP, FCPS, FACC, FRCP (Glasgow), FRCP (Edinburgh)
National Professor Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik, a trailblazer in cardiovascular health, was born on December 1, 1929, in Pashchimbhag Village, Sylhet district. Despite losing his father, Md. Furkan Ali, at an early age, his mother, Syeda Nurunnesa Khatun, played a crucial role in shaping his success.
A brilliant student, Professor Malik earned a government scholarship while at school. He completed his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 1954. His academic journey continued with MRCP (UK), FRCP (Glasgow), FRCP (Edinburgh), FCPS (BD), FCCP (USA), FACC (USA).
Joining the Pakistan Army Medical Corps in June 1955, he pursued higher training in Cardiology at Hammersmith Hospital and Post-Graduate Medical School, London. Returning in 1966, he established a cardiac unit in MH Rawalpindi, where the first open heart surgery in Pakistan was conducted in March 1970.
In the absence of modern facilities for heart disease treatment in the then East Pakistan, he founded a Cardiology unit at IPGMR in July 1970. Serving as Professor of Cardiology until June 1978, he established the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Dhaka, overseeing its growth until 1989. Retirement from Government service followed in December 1989.
In 1978, he founded the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, a pivotal non-governmental organization endorsed by the Government, actively engaged in cardiovascular health. Serving as Honorary Secretary-General and later on as the President, Professor Malik guided its projects, including the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute.
In 2001, he contributed to the caretaker Government of Bangladesh as an Advisor to the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Religious Affairs.
Founder President of Bangladesh Cardiac Society, SAARC Cardiac Society, and a member of the WHO Expert Panel Committee on Cardiovascular Diseases, Professor Malik played a significant role in various international and national service-oriented organizations.
In 2010, he spearheaded the formation of the United Forum Against Tobacco to combat the shared risk factors of heart diseases, lung diseases, and cancers.
His impactful Medical and clinical writings are featured in numerous international journals. An avid philosopher, he wrote several books on life and spirituality including "Jiboner Kichu Kotha" and 'Alor Poth'. The copyright of these books benefits the Lillah Fund, aiding the treatment of underprivileged patients.
Recognizing his outstanding contributions, he received multiple awards, including the Independence Award from the Government of Bangladesh in 2004 and the title of National Professor in 2006.
National Professor Brig.(retd.) Abdul Malik breathed his last one 5th December 2023, at the age of ninety four years.
However, his legacy lives on through his work, organizations that he founded, countless students and beloved family.
His legacy lives on through his work, the organizations that he founded, countless students and his beloved family.
A Life of Purpose
In Memoriam
National Professor Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik passed away on 5 December 2023, at the age of 94. His vision, dedication, and compassion continue to guide the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh.