The Chest & Heart Association of Bangladesh

Objective of the Association:

1. Foster collaboration among medical scientists focused on chest and heart diseases and related areas.
2. Promote and conduct research in the field of chest and heart diseases.
3. Collaborate with national and international organizations for research and knowledge dissemination in chest and heart diseases.
4. Publish scientific journals, periodicals, and health education materials.
5. Establish and maintain a library for the Association.
6. Provide services and support rehabilitation programs for chest and heart patients.
7. Set up branches of the Association across the country.
8. Organize conferences and seminars on chest and heart diseases.
9. Undertake any additional actions necessary to achieve the above objectives.

Funds:

All income of the Association will be exclusively used to further its objectives. In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets, after settling debts and liabilities, will not be distributed among members but will be transferred to a similar society, as determined by a three-fifths majority of the members present or by the court if necessary.

Composition of the Association:

1. Chief Patron: The President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh will serve as the Chief Patron.
2. Patrons: Any individual approved by the Executive Committee may become a patron by paying Tk. 20,000.
3. Life Members: Qualified individuals can become Life Members upon approval of the Executive Committee and payment of Tk. 3,000.
4. Ordinary Members: Individuals meeting the qualifications for post-graduate or significant experience in chest and heart diseases can become Ordinary Members upon payment of an annual subscription of Tk. 300.
5. Associate Members: Individuals engaged in the field but not qualifying for Ordinary Membership may become Associate Members upon payment of an annual subscription of Tk. 200, without voting rights.

Executive Committee:

1. Composition:

•    President
•    Two Vice-Presidents
•    Treasurer
•    General Secretary
•    Two Joint Secretaries
•    Six Members

2. Election: These positions are elected by Life and Ordinary Members during a General Meeting and serve for three years.

3. Co-option: The Executive Committee may co-opt members from Life and Ordinary Members.

4. Vacancies: Casual vacancies will be filled by election at the next annual meeting, with the new appointee serving the remainder of the term.

Functions of the Executive Committee:

1. Manage and allocate funds.
2. Maintain proper financial accounts.
3. Acquire, hold, and dispose of property.
4. Appoint, discipline, or dismiss employees.
5. Organize national and international conferences on relevant diseases.
6. Perform other necessary functions to fulfill the Association’s objectives.

Meetings of the Executive Committee:

1. Meetings will be held at times and places decided by the General Secretary, with at least one meeting every three months.
2. Ordinary meetings require seven days' notice with an agenda.
3. Emergency meetings can be called with 24 hours' notice by the President or General Secretary.
4. A quorum of five members is required to conduct business.
5. Decisions are made by majority vote; in case of a tie, the presiding officer has a casting vote.

Officers:

1. President: Presides over meetings and supervises Association activities.
2. Vice Presidents: Act as President if the position is vacant or the President is unable to fulfill duties.
3. Treasurer: Manages funds, signs cheques, receives payments, and keeps accounts.
4. General Secretary: Maintains minutes and records, manages correspondence, organizes meetings, prepares budgets, and executes decisions.
5. Joint Secretaries: Assist the General Secretary in performing duties.

Funds:

1. The Association’s funds will be held in a savings account at a bank approved by the Executive Committee.
2. The bank account will be operated jointly by the General Secretary and either the Treasurer or the President.