Prof. Dr. AKM Fazlul Haque

Professor Dr. AKM Fazlul Haque, a distinguished figure in the medical field, served as the founding Chairman and Professor of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), the sole Medical University in Bangladesh. He received his MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College in 1982 and achieved Fellowship (FCPS, Surgery) from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons in January 1989. Dr. Haque dedicated his expertise to the government health service in Bangladesh from April 1982 to 2009. In 1995-1996, he expanded his experience by working as a registrar in the Department of Surgery at Singapore General Hospital.

Renowned as one of the world's foremost colorectal surgeons, Professor Dr. AKM Fazlul Haque has an outstanding surgical record spanning from 1996 to the present day. His specialization focuses on colorectal surgery, encompassing a wide range of conditions involving the colon, rectum, and anus, including issues like piles, anal fissures, fistulas, colorectal cancer, colostomies, ileostomies, polyposis coli, appendicitis, polyps, diverticulosis, constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pilonidal sinus, condyloma acuminata, anal itching, and tuberculosis of the colon.

Notably, Prof. Dr. AKM Fazlul Haque is recognized as one of the finest alumni in the history of Dhaka Medical College, as acknowledged by Wikipedia. His tireless dedication to establishing colorectal surgery as a distinct specialty in Bangladesh is an exemplar of his unwavering commitment. After nearly a decade of unyielding effort, he successfully established Colorectal Surgery as an independent department at the Medical University (BSMMU). He introduced the M.S. degree in Colorectal Surgery to Bangladesh in 2006, personally designing the curriculum. Professor Haque also holds the distinction of being the founder Chairman of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.

With an exclusive focus on Colorectal Surgery since 1995, Dr. Haque has consulted with nearly 650,000 new patients and performed surgeries on 95,000 patients in both private and government hospitals, addressing conditions such as piles, fistulas, anal fissures, colon and rectal cancer, polyps, rectal prolapse, and diverticulitis. He routinely conducts short and full colonoscopies for the majority of his patients.

Innovations in colon and rectum surgeries have been a hallmark of Professor Haque's career. He introduced procedures such as double stapling for rectal cancer, the Longo operation for hemorrhoids, and successful fistula operations following multiple unsuccessful attempts. Professor Haque has also played a key role in popularizing non-operative treatments, like Rubber Ring Ligation, for 70-80% of hemorrhoid patients.

Furthermore, Dr. Haque pioneered various modern colorectal surgeries in Bangladesh, including low anterior resection with double stapling, the Longo operation, and complex fistula operations using seton techniques. He is also known for performing various laser procedures that have gained popularity among patients.

Additionally, Dr. Haque initiated the observation of "World Piles & Colorectal Cancer Day" on November 20th in Bangladesh and internationally, aimed at enhancing public awareness of these conditions.

A trailblazer in international medical training, Professor Haque directed the first international training course for senior foreign specialists in May 2008. Surgeons from Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and the Maldives attended the program, titled "Master Program in MIPH." During this program, he provided practical training on performing the Longo operation with precision and without trauma to the anal canal exterior.