1. Name
The name of the organization is the Bangladesh Pharmacological Society (BDPS). Official monogram of the Society would be as designed by the Executive Council and approved by the General Council.
2. Objectives
2.1. to provide a forum for the pharmacologists to meet and discuss areas of common interests and concerns in order to uphold the honor and interests of the discipline and of the profession.
2.2. to promote better understanding of pharmacological knowledge and its application for effective and safer drug therapy through enquiries and research.
2.3. to strengthen the efforts that will promote research, exchange of scientific information, considerations of regulatory mechanisms that affect drug development and utilization, and medical education.
2.4. to promote the concept and practice of rational use of medicines; to help the government, drug regulatory bodies, hospital therapeutic committees to develop appropriate ‘Treatment Guidelines’ ‘Formularies’, ‘Drug Information Bulletins’ etc. to strengthen the rational use of medicines.
2.5. to develop and promote public awareness programs for dealing with misuse and abuse of drugs.
2.6. to provide a setting through organizing state-of-the-art lectures and symposia for the presentation of the new scientific reviews of recent advances, and through holding of regular scientific meetings that will provide the members of the society as well as the non-members the opportunity to present the findings of their research and studies.
2.7. to sponsor ‘Continuing Medical Education’ (CME) programs for its members that will earn them the CME credit.
2.8. to arrange for regular publication of the ‘Journal of the Society’, ‘Proceedings of the symposia’, ‘Medicine Information Bulletins’ and similar updates and reviews.
2.9. to ensure that ‘Society’ is represented on the key national drug regulatory, advisory and safety committees; and on the appropriate committees for health care and health manpower development, health care policy regulatory bodies of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council, of Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council and of Bangladesh Academy of Science.
2.10. to voice the collective views and policies of the society and of the profession on issues relating to health, medicines and education in continual contact with policy making bodies, Government departments, and through media.
2.11. to look into the welfare of the members of the Society.
2.12. to promote the links and improve fellowship with the other sister Societies/Associations of different disciplines both within the country and outside through collaborative activities and hoisting of joint meetings.
3. Registered office, Jurisdiction and Chapter-affiliates
3.1. The registered office of the society shall be at Dhaka.
3.2. The jurisdiction of the society shall be the whole of Bangladesh.
3.3. However, society may recognize chapter affiliates (branches) of the society so as to encourage better communication among members within a given geographical region. The governance, organization and financial management of such chapter-affiliates shall reside with the chapters and there officers.
3.4. Until such time as the permanent registered office of the society is established, temporary office will be located at a place as decided by the Executive Council.
4. Membership of the Society
Applications for membership of following categories will be considered and recommended by the ‘Executive Council’ and will be elected by ‘General Council’ at its business meeting. There shall be four categories of membership as follows:
4.1. Regular Members: Any qualified pharmacologist who holds an academic position in any recognized medical institute or any qualified investigator who has conducted and published a meritorious original investigator in Pharmacology shall be eligible for regular membership of the society. On being elected, regular members are subject to annual assessment of a fee.
4.2. Life Members: Any qualified pharmacologist who has completed 20 years of service on the day of the commencement of the society and thereafter or has been a regular member of the society for over 10 years, whichever is earlier will be invited to be life member and if he agrees to pay the prescribed fee for life Membership will be elected life member. Life members will be relieved from the annual assessment of a fee while retaining all the privileges of membership including voting right.
4.3. Honorary Members: Distinguished academics/scientists of any discipline of any country who are not members of the society but who have contributed to the advance of medical, biological and social sciences shall be eligible for proposal as Honorary member of the society. Nomination for Honorary member may be proposed by two regular members of the society, which will be reviewed and recommended by the Executive Council and will require approval of two-third of the voting members of the ‘General Council’. Honorary members shall have the privilege of membership without voting right and are not subject to annual assessment.
4.4. Associate Members: Any medical graduate who is enrolled in postgraduate degree program in Pharmacology are eligible for Associate Membership which will be non-voting, but subject to annual assessment. Associate members may later be proposed to regular membership upon meeting the requirement. There shall be a register to be maintained by the Secretary General on behalf of the Executive Council in which names of all members of the society shall be enrolled and regularly updated with their qualifications and addresses.
4.5. Expulsion of Members: The Executive Council, for appropriate reasons, may decide that it is in the best interest of the society to expel a member. In this case, the member shall be notified in writing and given an opportunity for a hearing before the council. If a majority of the Executive Council members favor expulsion, the council shall so recommend to General Council. A vote of two third of members voting in a business meeting of the society shall be required for expulsion.
5. Finances
The income of the society shall be from
5.1. Annual Assessment: Newly elected Regular Members, Life Members and Associate Members shallbe entitled to the privileges of membership only after payment of prescribed annual fees (to be assessedby the Executive Council). Any member whose assessment is in arrears for four years shall cease to be amember of the society. Such member shall be notified of impending disqualification and informed of hisright to appeal to the General Council for reinstatement.
5.2. Donation or Grants: Donation or grants by the Government, Non-government organizations orindividuals made solely to carry out the programs to support the declared objectives of the society.
5.3. Advertisement:Advertisement fee for published advertisements in Journals & other publications of the society.
5.4. Other Assessment:Any other assessments approved by the Executive Council.
5.5. Financial Management: The financial matters will be dealt by the Finance Committee consisting of 5(five) members of the society. The Treasurer of the Executive Council will chair the Finance Committee.The central account of the BDPS will be named as ‘Bangladesh Pharmacological Society’ and to beopened in any scheduled bank as approved by the Executive Council. The Chairperson, Treasurer andSecretary General of the Executive Council will be the Signatories of the account. The central accountwill be jointly operated by the Signatories, of which the Treasurer is obligatory, as (s)he will keep therecords of financial transaction.
6. Management of the Society
The management of the Society shall be vested on
- General Council
- National Council
- Executive Council
- Council Committees
6.1. General Council:
The ‘General Council’ of the Society shall be the supreme body. It is the policy making body and will suggest guidelines on all affairs of the society. The Regular and Life Members of the society shall constitute the ‘General Council’.
6.1.1. Terms of Reference of the General Council The General Council shall have power:
6.1.1.a. to elect 10 (ten) Members of the ‘Executive Council’.
6.1.1.b. to take resolutions on any affairs, which shall be binding on the Executive Council.
6.1.1.c. to frame and adopt the constitution of the society and to make amendments if and when necessary.
6.1.1.d. to appoint auditors and to receive and adopt Finance report and audited accounts and to approve the budget for the coming year.
6.1.1.e. to receive and adopt Annual Report of the Secretary General on the activities of the society.
6.1.1.f. to take decisions on any matter that affect the interests of the society or its members.
6.1.2. Meeting of the General CouncilThe meeting of the General Council may be of 3 kinds:
6.1.2.a. Annual General Meeting: which shall be held at a convenient place, date and time to be decided by the Executive Council. At least 21 days notice of the meeting shall be given to all members along with the agenda of business to be transacted.
6.1.2.b. Emergency or Extra-ordinary Meeting: which shall be called by the Secretary General in consultation with the Chairperson with, at least 7 days notice.
6.1.2.c. Requisition Meeting: which shall be called within 2 weeks of receipt of a requisition signed by at least one third of the members stating the business for which meeting is requisitioned. The Secretary General in consultation with the Chairperson shall decide the time, date and place. Decision shall be taken by a majority of two third of members present.
6.1.2.d. Quorum: Quorum for Annual General Meeting and Emergency or Extraordinary meeting shall be one-third and for Requisition meeting shall be one-half of the total members.
6.1.2.e. Agenda: Nothing except the business for which it is called shall be discussed at an Emergency or Requisition meeting. Except with the special permission of the Chairperson, no resolution or agenda shall be placed before the Annual General Meeting that has not been given notice and duty circulated with the agenda of the meeting.
6.2. National Council:
The elected representatives from all recognized medical institutions shall constitute the National Council. List of recognized Medical Institutions are mentioned in Annex I. The General Council, upon recommendation of the Executive Council will approve the new inclusions of the Medical Institution in the list. The representatives from recognized Medical Institutions will be elected by the Pharmacologists, working in that Institute, who are eligible to become Regular Members of the Society. The number of institutional representative will depend on the total number of Pharmacologists working in that Institution. For three or less members, one representative will be sent to the National Council; and for additional each three members, one representative will be sent. The National Council shall be elected for a term of two years. Institutional representatives shall be changed within the term, if the representative is transferred from the institutions (he) represented.
The immediate past Chairperson of the Executive Council shall chair the National Council. The Chairperson of the Executive Council and Chairpersons of the Council Committees would serve as ex officio members of the National Council. The Secretary General of the Executive Council will serve as the Member-Secretary of the National Council
6.2.1. Composition of the National Council
Chairperson Immediate Past Chairperson of the Executive Council Members Representatives of Medical Institutions Ex -officio Members Chairperson of the Executive Council Chairpersons of the Council Committees Member Secretary Secretary General of the Executive Council
6.2.2. Terms of References of the National Council
The purpose of the National Council is
6.2.2.a. to facilitate activities of the institutional cells of the BDPS, particularly related to development of institutional programs.
6.2.2.b. to provide an opportunity for institutional representatives to learn from each other.
6.2.2.c. to make recommendations with regards to Society programs and activities to the Executive Council.
6.2.2.d. to elect 5 (five) members of the Executive Council immediately after the Phase I Election, from the members who are not elected already.
6.2.2.e. to elect Office bearers of the Executive Council, Editor of the Journal and different Council Committees, to conduct routine activities of the Society along with the Executive Council.
6.2.2.f. to nominate different awards and fellowships after being introduced by the General Council of the BDPS.
6.3. Executive Council:
All members of the General Council would constitute the Electoral College for Executive Council. The General Council will elect 10 (ten) members and the National Council will elect 5 (five) members for the Executive Council. Afterwards, the elected 15 (fifteen) members of the Executive Council along with the National Council will elect one Chairperson, one Treasurer and one Secretary General. In the same session, they will also elect the Editor of the Journal, Chairpersons of Scientific Program Committee, Publications Committee and Welfare & Public Relations Committee and Members of all Council Committees. The Treasurer will chair the Finance Committee. The Chairpersons of the Council Committees (if not already a member of the Executive Council) shall be ex-officio member of the Executive Council. The Executive Council shall be elected for a term of two years.
6.3.1. Composition of the Executive Council
Chairperson | 1 (One) | |
|---|---|---|
| Treasurer | 1 (One) | |
| Secretary General | 1 (One) | |
| Members | 12 (Twelve) | |
| Ex-officio members | ||
| Editor, Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology | 1 (One) | |
| Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee | 1 (One) | |
| Chairperson, Publications Committee | 1 (One) | |
Chairperson, Welfare & Public Relations Committee 1 (One)
6.3.2. Terms of Reference of the Executive Council
The Executive Council shall be responsible for the implementation of the policy of the society and the management of general affairs of the society in accordance with the constitution and byelaws of the society. The Executive Council shall execute the resolutions passed by the General Council.
The Executive Council shall in addition perform the following functions:
6.3.2.a. to elect, along with the National Council, one Chairperson, one Treasurer and one Secretary General for the Executive Council.
6.3.2.b. to elect, along with the National Council, various Council Committees and delegate specific responsibilities to them
6.3.2.c. to elect, along with the National Council, Editor of the Journal and delegate specific responsibility
6.3.2.d. to maintain all the documents, records and assets of the society
6.3.2.e. to issue instructions for the proper working and administration of the society, its office, library and properties
6.3.2.f. to represent any matter that affects the interests of the society or its members or of the profession before the Government, policy-making bodies or any properly constituted authority
6.3.2.g. to consider and decide applications or nominations for membership
6.3.2.h. to prepare and approve Annual Report, Financial Report and Budget for presentation in the General Council.
7. Composition and Terms of Reference of the Council Committees
7.1. Finance Committee
7.1.1. Formation of the Committee: A Finance Committee shall be constituted of 5 (five) members of the Society. The Treasurer of the Executive Council shall serve as Chairperson of Finance Committee. The National Council and Executive Council will jointly elect 3 (three) members of the Finance Committee. One member shall later be co-opted by the Chairperson. The term of the Committee shall be for two years. The Chairperson of the Executive Council will serve as ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.
7.1.2. Charter of the Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall manage all financial matters related to the Society. The Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary General of the Executive Council shall be the Signatories of the central account. The Treasurer and any one of the other two Signatories shall jointly operate the central account. The Finance Committee shall regularly report to the Executive Council through the Treasurer. The Chairperson of the Finance Committee shall give a Financial Report on all funds of the Society at the Annual General Meeting.
7.2. Scientific Program Committee
7.2.1. Formation of the Committee: A Scientific Program Committee shall be constituted of 5 (five) members of the Society. The National Council and the Executive Council will jointly elect the Chairperson and 3 (three) members of the Scientific Program Committee. One member shall later be co-opted by the Chairperson of this Committee. The term of the Scientific Program Committee shall be for two years. The Chairperson of the Executive Council will serve as the ex-officio member of the Scientific Program Committee.
7.2.2. Charter of the Scientific Program Committee: The Scientific Program Committee shall facilitate the scientific activities of the members of the Society, particularly directed towards the development of research and teaching skills. The Scientific Program Committee shall provide opportunity for the members to disseminate their experience, which will enable the members to learn from each other. For convenience of attaining the abovementioned objectives, the Scientific Program Committee may constitute the Subcommittees like, Research Subcommittee, Medical Education Subcommittee etc. The Scientific Program Committee shall regularly report to the Executive Council. The Chairperson of the Scientific Program Committee shall give a report on all scientific activities conducted in a year at the Annual General Meeting.
7.3. Publications Committee
7.3.1. Formation of the Committee: There shall be a Publications Committee constituted of 5 (five) members of the Society. The National Council and the Executive Council shall jointly elect the Chairperson and 3 (three) members of the Publications Committee. The Editor of the Journal will serve as the ex-officio member of Publications Committee. One member shall later be co-opted by the Chairperson of this Committee. The term of the Publications Committee shall be for two years.
7.3.2. Charter of the Publications Committee: The Publications Committee shall have authority and responsibility to control and manage the official Journal of the BDPS and non-serial publications like Medicine Information Bulletin. The Publications Committee shall nominate the Editorial Boards for the Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology and the Editor for Medicine Information Bulletin. Members of the Editorial Board shall serve for two years. The Editorial Board shall meet at least twice a year. The Editor will keep the Executive Council informed of the major activities of the Board. S/He will report annually to the General Council.
7.3.3. Fund of the Publications Committee: The Publications Committee shall submit an annual budget to the Executive Council. Accordingly, the Executive Council shall place the fund in advance to the control of the Publications Committee. The fund will be accounted jointly by the Editor of the Journal and Chairperson of the Publications Committee. The Chairperson of the Publications Committee shall give a report on all activities of this Committee at the Annual General Meeting.
7.4. Welfare & Public Relations Committee
7.4.1. Formation of the Committee: There shall be one Welfare & Public Relations Committee constituted of 5 (five) members of the Society. The National Council and the Executive Council shall jointly elect the Chairperson and 3 (three) members of the Welfare & Public Relations Committee. One member shall later be co-opted by the Chairperson of this Committee. The term of all appointed members shall be for two years. The Secretary General of the Executive Council will serve as the ex-officio member of the Welfare & Public Relations Committee.
4.4.2. Charter of the Welfare & Public Relations Committee: The Welfare & Public Relations Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to look after the welfare of the members as well as to conduct different programs to increase cohesion among the members of the Society. In addition, the Welfare & Public Relations Committee shall also explore the research funding issues, public affairs, different national policies and legislative matters related to the regulation of medicinal substances in the country. To perform the above-mentioned activities, the Welfare & Public Relations Committee may constitute subcommittees, like Members’ Welfare Subcommittee, Government Affairs Subcommittee, Public Relations Subcommittee, Corporate Relations Subcommittee etc. The Welfare & Public Relations Committees shall regularly report to the Executive Council. The Chairperson of the Welfare & Public Relations Committee will give a report on all activities of this Committee at the Annual General Meeting.
8. Election of the Executive Council and Council Committees
8.1. Principle of Election: ‘Every member is a voter, every member is a candidate’. This shall be the principle of election of the Executive Council of Bangladesh Pharmacological Society (BDPS).
8.2. Candidature for Election and Withdrawal: Since every member of General Council is a candidate, the Executive Council before forming an Election Commission for the conduction of election shall sent to each member of the General Council a letter containing a ‘Withdrawal of Candidature Form’. Any member if wishes not to include his/her name for consideration during the election of the Executive Council can opt out by returning the properly signed ‘Withdrawal Form’, by the specified date and time. Such members who signed and returned the Withdrawal Form by specified date and time shall not be the candidate(s).
8.3. Formation of the Election Commission: The Executive Council shall constitute the Election Commission of 3 (three) members from the Life or Regular Members not intending to be candidate in the election or the Honorary Members of the Society, to conduct election of the Executive Council and different Council Committees.
The first Election Commission to conduct the election of the first Executive Council, National Council and Council Committees under the new constitution will be constituted by the General Council in its first meeting.
8.4. Election of the National Council: The National Council shall be formed according to Clause 6.2 of the Constitution and will be declared elected by the Election Commission before conducting Election of the Executive Council.
8.5. Election of the Executive Council: Phase-I
All members of the General Council will constitute an Electoral College. In Phase-I election, members of the Electoral College will vote for exactly 10 (ten) members of the Executive Council. A list of registered Life and Regular members of the General Council excluding those opted not to include their names for consideration during election will serve as the Ballot Paper. Every member in the list is eligible to be elected as Member of the Executive Council. Members, who will secure top 10 (ten) positions, will be elected as Members of the Executive Council.
8.6. Election of the Executive Council: Phase-II
Immediately after Phase-I Election, the National Council will elect another 5 (five) members of the Executive Council from the remaining members who are not already elected in the Phase-I election. These 5 (five) members will join the members elected in the Phase-I election to constitute the Executive Council.
8.7. Election of Office Bearers of the Executive Council, Editor of the Journal and Council Committees:
After completion of the election of the members of the Executive Council, the immediate past Chairperson of the Executive Council will convene a joint meeting of the newly elected Executive Council and the National Council to constitute the Electoral College for the election of one Chairperson, one Treasurer and one Secretary General from the elected members of the Executive Council. In addition, the same meeting will also elect the Editor of Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, Chairpersons for the Scientific Program Committee, Publications Committee and Welfare & Public Relations Committee. Simultaneously, they will also elect members for all Council Committees. The Chairpersons of all Council Committees will become the ex-officio member of the Executive Council (if not already a member of the Executive Council).
The office bearers of the Executive Council, Editor of the Journal and the Chairpersons of Council Committees will be elected for a term of two years and may be reappointed for a maximum of two consecutive additional terms.