Policies on Conflict of Interest, Human and Animal Rights, and Informed Consent

Introduction

Our journal is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in publishing. This page outlines our policies regarding conflicts of interest, the rights of human and animal subjects, and the requirements for informed consent.

1. Conflict of Interest

1.1 Definition

A conflict of interest arises when personal, financial, or professional relationships could potentially influence or bias an author’s work. Authors must disclose any relationships or interests that could be perceived as a conflict of interest.

1.2 Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose any facts that might be perceived as potential conflicts of interest prior to submission. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Financial interests (e.g., funding, stock ownership, consulting fees).
• Non-financial interests (e.g., personal relationships, academic affiliations).

1.3 Editorial Review

The editorial team will assess disclosed conflicts of interest and take appropriate action to ensure transparency and integrity in the review process.

2. Human Rights and Ethical Standards

2.1 Research Involving Human Subjects

Research involving human subjects must be conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines, including the Declaration of Helsinki. Authors must ensure that:

• Investigations were carried out following the rules of ethical conduct.
• Approval from the appropriate institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee has been obtained.

2.2 Informed Consent

All subjects must provide written informed consent prior to participation in the study. Authors must include a statement in the manuscript confirming that informed consent was obtained, including the project identification code, date of approval, and the name of the ethics committee.

2.3 Reporting and Anonymity

Data relating to individual participants must be described in detail, while private information must be anonymized to protect participants' identities. Any use of identifiable information in the study must be clearly justified and consent obtained.

3. Animal Rights and Ethical Considerations

3.1 Research Involving Animals

Research involving vertebrates or higher invertebrates must adhere to national and institutional regulations regarding animal welfare. Authors must:

• Obtain approval from an appropriate ethics committee if required by national laws.
• Provide a statement in the manuscript regarding the ethical approval, including project identification code, date of approval, and the name of the ethics committee.

3.2 Ethical Guidelines

Authors should comply with the commonly accepted principles of the "3Rs":

• Replacement: Use alternatives to animal models where possible.
• Reduction: Minimize the number of animals used.
• Refinement: Enhance procedures to reduce suffering and improve animal welfare.

3.3 Informed Client Consent

For studies involving client-owned animals, informed consent must be obtained from the owners. Authors must ensure that:

• Owners are fully informed about any risks associated with the study and the publication of the research findings.

4. Compliance and Enforcement

The journal reserves the right to investigate any allegations of ethical misconduct and may request documentation to support compliance with these policies. Manuscripts failing to meet these ethical standards may be rejected.

5. Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding these policies, please contact our Editorial Office at ce_bmj@bsmrmu.edu.bd.