Bangladesh Cancer Consortium (BCC) is a national clinician-led initiative committed to transforming cancer care in Bangladesh. Launched on March 15, 2024, at a landmark meeting held at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), BCC brings together a multidisciplinary network of senior oncology experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to drive impactful change in cancer treatment and awareness across the country.
Constitution of the Bangladesh Cancer Consortium (BCC)
Preamble:
Recognizing the significant burden of cancer in Bangladesh and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research, we, the founding members, hereby establish the Bangladesh Cancer Consortium (BCC), affiliated with TACHRC CIC UK (Tasmia Asif Foundation), to foster collaboration and advance cancer care in Bangladesh.
Article I: Name and Affiliation: The name of the consortium shall be the Bangladesh Cancer Consortium (BCC).
The BCC shall be officially affiliated with TACHRC CIC UK (Tasmia Asif Foundation), as outlined in the Affiliation and Governance Agreement (Appendix A).
Article II: Mission and Objectives:
Mission: To unite stakeholders in the fight against cancer in Bangladesh, fostering collaboration, advancing research, and improving patient care.
Objectives:
· Promote and facilitate collaborative research on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
· Establish and maintain a network of healthcare professionals, researchers, and organizations involved in cancer care.
· Organize educational programs, workshops, and conferences to disseminate knowledge and best practices.
· Advocate for improved cancer policies and access to quality care.
· Support initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about cancer and promoting early detection.
· To establish a central cancer data registry.
· To provide support for patients and families affected by cancer.
· To improve access to palliative care.
Article III: Membership:
Membership shall be open to individuals and organizations involved in cancer care, research, and advocacy in Bangladesh, including but not limited to:
· Healthcare professionals (oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, etc).
· Researchers and scientists.
· Academic institutions.
· Hospitals and clinics.
· Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
· Patient advocacy groups.
· Representatives of TACHRC CIC UK.
Membership criteria and application procedures shall be determined by the Executive Committee and made transparent to all applicants.
Categories of membership may include:
1. Full Members (individuals and organizations actively involved).
2. Associate Members (individuals or organizations with related interests).
3. Honorary Members (individuals recognized for significant contributions).
Article IV: Governance:
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of the BCC.
It shall consist of:
· President (or Convenor initially) Dr Tasmia Tahmid Breast Surgeon NHS UK
· General Secretary Prof Asadur Rahman Head of ENT department, DMCH
· Treasurer
· Members at Large (number to be determined)
· One appointed representative from TACHRC CIC UK, to ensure alignment with TACHRC CIC UK's mission and objectives.
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for:
· Developing and implementing the strategic plan.
· Managing the finances of the BCC.
· Organizing meetings and events.
· Representing the BCC in external forums.
· Establishing sub-committees as needed.
General Assembly:
· The General Assembly shall consist of all members of the BCC.
· It shall meet annually to review the activities of the BCC and elect the Executive Committee.
· Special General Assembly meetings may be called by the Executive Committee as needed.
Election of Officers:
· The President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Members at Large shall be elected by the General Assembly through a transparent and democratic process.
· Terms of office shall be determined by the General Assembly.
· The election process shall be overseen by an independent election committee.
Sub-Committees: Sub-committees can be established to focus on specific areas of interest, such as research, education, patient support, and data registry.
Article V: Finances:
The BCC shall be funded through-
· Membership dues.
· Grants and donations.
· Sponsorships.
· Funds from TACHRC CIC UK as designated.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the finances of the BCC and providing regular financial reports to the Executive Committee and General Assembly. An annual audit of the BCC's finances shall be conducted by an independent auditor.
Article VI: Amendments:
Amendments to this constitution may be made by a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the General Secretary in writing at least 30 days prior to the General Assembly meeting.
Article VII: Dissolution:
In the event of dissolution, the assets of the BCC shall be transferred to TACHRC CIC UK or another charitable organization with similar objectives, as determined by the General Assembly.
Article VIII: Initial Implementation:
The initial Executive Committee, comprising the convenor, general secretary and other members as selected by them, shall be responsible for the implementation of this constitution.
The initial Executive Committee will create the membership application process, and establish the initial sub committees.
