Chairman's Message
Professor Dr. Sarder A. Nayeem
Chief Laparoscopic Surgeon & Chairman
Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital
Academic Excellence and Surgical Innovation
Professor Dr. Sarder A. Nayeem received his MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College in 1985. From 1987 to 1993, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Government of Japan, through which he pursued advanced training and obtained his PhD in Surgery from the University of Tokyo.
While studying at the University of Tokyo's Department of Surgery, Dr. Nayeem demonstrated exceptional skill and achieved remarkable success in his research on the application of lasers in liver surgery. In recognition of his outstanding research, he received the Resident Research Award from the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery in 1992.
During his time at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Nayeem worked closely with the world-renowned surgeon Professor Yasuo Idezuki. He was a prominent member of the specialized surgical team led by Professor Idezuki that introduced and subsequently established laparoscopic surgery in Japan in 1990.
It was during this formative period that Dr. Nayeem began to envision introducing and establishing this advanced surgical technique in his home country.
As a result, while still a PhD student, Dr. Nayeem successfully performed Bangladesh's first laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in late 1991, with the assistance of Japanese specialists. The procedure was performed using a camera-assisted laparoscopic technique, completely bypassing the need for conventional open surgery. This groundbreaking procedure was regarded as a landmark event in the history of surgery in Bangladesh.
Founding of Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital
Upon returning to Bangladesh in 1993, Dr. Nayeem joined BIRDEM Hospital. Simultaneously, he sought to build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
Collaborating with his Japanese friend, Dr. Shigeru Suganami, and his Dhaka Medical College classmates—pain specialist Dr. Jonaid Shafique and surgeon Dr. Faisal Muazzam—he founded the Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital.
Located on Satmasjid Road in Dhaka, JBFH has spent decades providing specialized care in laparoscopic surgery, pain management, sleep disorders, and colorectal surgery.
Driven by a robust social conscience, the hospital routinely offers free healthcare to farmers and marginalized communities, runs public health awareness campaigns, provides tele-video consultations, and offers lifetime free medical treatment to distinguished individuals.
Academic Engagements and Global Recognition
Dr. Nayeem has been deeply involved not only in healthcare delivery but also in medical education and academic activities. As an active member of numerous national and international academic societies related to surgery, he has presented many research papers at home and abroad, receiving considerable recognition and appreciation.
Among his notable international academic engagements are:
- 1994: World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery, Japan
- 1997: World Congress of Surgery, Mexico
- 1998: World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery, Rome
- 2001: World Congress of Surgery, Belgium
- 2006: Congress of the Japan Surgical Society, Japan
- 2006: Congress of the American College of Surgeons, Chicago
Over the past decade, he has also participated as an invited speaker in almost all major World Congresses of Endoscopic Surgery.
Awards and Honors
For his outstanding contributions to introducing, expanding, and establishing advanced medical services in a developing nation, Dr. Nayeem has received numerous awards and honors both at home and abroad.
- 1999: Elected a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
- 2001: Received special recognition from the International Society of Surgeons.
- 2005–2006: Awarded the Begum Rokeya Shining Personality Award and the Palli Kabi Jasim Uddin Memorial Award in Bangladesh.
- 2006: Received special recognition from the Japan Surgical Society.
- 2006: Honored as an International Guest Scholar by the American College of Surgeons.
- 2017: Bestowed with the title “The Torchbearer” during the Silver Jubilee Celebration of North South University for his special contributions to the Bangladeshi medical sector.
Philanthropy and Community Development
Dr. Nayeem has been an active member of the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) since 1988, which is one of Japan's largest NGO associations operated by medical doctors.
As the President of AMDA-Bangladesh, he has made significant contributions to improving the health, education, and economic well-being of rural communities through the establishment of secondary schools, vocational training centers, microcredit facilities, and healthcare centers.
Furthermore, as the Founder and Chairman of the Japan Bangladesh Friendship Foundation, he has established several crucial training institutions, including:
Japan Bangladesh Friendship Nursing Institute
Medical Assistant Training School
North Western College
A New Vision for Geriatric Care
At present, alongside his responsibilities at the Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, Dr. Nayeem is dedicating himself to establishing Bangladesh's first comprehensive Total Geriatric Care system for senior citizens.
His current mega-initiatives in Purbachal include the establishment of Dhaka Evergreen Retirement Homes, a specialized Geriatric Hospital, Geriatric Nursing services, and a Geriatric Healthcare Assistant Training School.
Through these initiatives, Dr. Sarder A. Nayeem continues to contribute to the advancement of modern healthcare, medical education, community development, and specialized care for the elderly in Bangladesh.
Leadership & Service
A commitment to healthcare, innovation, education and community development
Surgical Innovation
Advancing minimally invasive surgery and contributing to the development of modern surgical care in Bangladesh.
Academic Excellence
Promoting medical education, research, professional development and international academic collaboration.
Community Service
Supporting healthcare, education and economic development for rural and underserved communities.
Geriatric Care
Working toward a comprehensive care system dedicated to the health, dignity and well-being of senior citizens.
“Through innovation in healthcare, dedication to medical education, service to the community, and compassionate care, we can continue to build a healthier and more prosperous Bangladesh.”
Chief Laparoscopic Surgeon & Chairman
Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital