Governing Document

CBMANA Constitution

The official governing document of the Central Bangladesh Medical Association of North America, outlining our structure, purpose, and operational guidelines.

Last Amended: 2023
12 Articles, 45 Sections

Table of Contents

Introduction

We, the physicians of Bangladeshi origin practicing in North America, recognizing the need for a unified professional organization, do hereby establish this Constitution to promote medical excellence, foster professional development, preserve our cultural heritage, and serve our community.

"United in our commitment to advancing healthcare, supporting our colleagues, and serving our communities, we pledge to uphold the highest standards of medical practice and ethical conduct."

This Constitution establishes the framework for the Central Bangladesh Medical Association of North America (CBMANA), defining its purpose, structure, governance, and operational procedures to ensure the organization's effectiveness and sustainability in serving its members and the broader community.

I

Article I: Name & Objectives

Foundation and Purpose

Section 1: Name

The organization shall be known as the "Central Bangladesh Medical Association of North America," hereinafter referred to as CBMANA.

Section 2: Objectives

The objectives of CBMANA shall be:

To promote medical education and research among physicians of Bangladeshi origin in North America
To foster professional networking and collaboration
To provide continuing medical education (CME) opportunities
To support medical students, residents, and early-career physicians
To preserve and promote Bangladeshi cultural heritage

Key Provision

CBMANA shall operate as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

II

Article II: Membership

Eligibility, Categories, and Rights

Section 1: Eligibility

Membership is open to physicians of Bangladeshi origin who are licensed to practice medicine in North America, as well as medical students, residents, and fellows of Bangladeshi origin.

Section 2: Membership Categories

Regular Members

Licensed physicians practicing in North America with full voting rights and office-holding eligibility.

Associate Members

Medical students, residents, and fellows with limited voting rights but full participation privileges.

Life Members

Members who have made a one-time lifetime contribution with perpetual membership benefits.

Honorary Members

Individuals recognized for exceptional contributions to medicine or CBMANA, by Executive Committee invitation.

Section 3: Rights and Responsibilities

Right to vote in general elections (Regular Members only)
Access to all CBMANA programs and events
Obligation to pay annual dues as determined by the Executive Committee
Adherence to CBMANA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
III

Article III: Governance

Organizational Structure and Leadership

Section 1: Governing Bodies

CBMANA shall be governed by three primary bodies: the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and Standing Committees.

General Assembly

The supreme governing body consisting of all Regular Members

Executive Committee

Elected officers responsible for day-to-day operations

Standing Committees

Specialized committees for specific functions and initiatives

Section 2: Elections

1

Term Duration

Executive Committee members shall serve two-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position.

2

Election Process

Elections shall be conducted annually by secret ballot, either in person at the Annual General Meeting or electronically.

IV

Article IV: Executive Committee

Officers, powers, and responsibilities

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other officers as determined by the General Assembly. Each officer shall have specific duties and responsibilities as outlined in the bylaws.

V

Article V: Meetings

General, special, and committee meetings

The organization shall hold an Annual General Meeting and may call special meetings as needed. Committee meetings shall be held regularly as determined by respective committee chairs.

VI

Article VI: Finance

Budget, dues, and financial management

The Treasurer shall oversee all financial matters including budget preparation, dues collection, and financial reporting. An annual audit shall be conducted by an independent auditor.

VII

Article VII: Committees

Standing and special committees

Standing committees shall include but not be limited to: Education, Membership, Finance, and Community Service. Special committees may be appointed by the President as needed.

VIII

Article VIII: Amendments

Process for constitutional changes

Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by any Regular Member and must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee at least 60 days before the Annual General Meeting. A two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly is required for adoption.

IX

Article IX: Dissolution

Procedures for organizational dissolution

In the event of dissolution, all assets of CBMANA shall be distributed to one or more organizations organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as determined by the General Assembly.

Amendments History

Constitutional Changes and Updates

2023 Amendment

Latest

Added provisions for Digital Club establishment and virtual meeting protocols

Effective: Jan 15, 2023

2021 Amendment

Superseded

Revised membership categories and dues structure

Effective: Mar 20, 2021

2019 Amendment

Superseded

Established regional chapter framework and governance

Effective: Jul 10, 2019

Amendment Process: Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee at least 60 days before the Annual General Meeting. Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly for adoption.

Complete Constitution Document

I

Name & Objectives

Foundation and Purpose

II

Membership

Eligibility, Categories, and Rights

III

Governance

Organizational Structure and Leadership

IV

Executive Committee

Officers, powers, and responsibilities

V

Meetings

General, special, and committee meetings

VI

Finance

Budget, dues, and financial management

VII

Committees

Standing and special committees

VIII

Amendments

Process for constitutional changes

IX

Dissolution

Procedures for organizational dissolution

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