Overview of the Research Ethics Committee (REC)
International Research Collaboration Bangladesh – ircb
1. Introduction
The Research Ethics Committee (REC) of International Research Collaboration Bangladesh - ircb is established to ensure that all research activities involving human participants are conducted in accordance with internationally recognized ethical principles, national regulations, and professional standards. The REC safeguards the dignity, rights, safety, well-being, privacy, and confidentiality of research participants while promoting responsible and high-quality research. The structure and procedures of the REC should align with international standards such as the Declaration of Helsinki, CIOMS Guidelines, WHO Standards for Ethics Review Committees, and Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) ethical guidelines.
2. Objectives of the REC
The REC are as follows:
Protect the rights, dignity, safety, and welfare of research participants.
Ensure ethical compliance of all research involving human participants.
Review and approve research proposals before commencement.
Monitor approved research throughout its implementation.
Promote ethical research culture and integrity.
Guide on ethical issues arising during research.
Ensure compliance with national and international ethical standards.
Review research involving vulnerable populations and sensitive topics with additional scrutiny.
3. Scope of Review
The REC reviews all research involving:
3.1 Human Participants
Surveys and questionnaires
Interviews and focus group discussions
Experimental and quasi-experimental studies
Behavioral and social science research
Educational research involving human participants
3.2 Personal and Sensitive Data
Collection, storage, and analysis of personal information
Use of identifiable or confidential data
Secondary use of existing datasets containing personal information
3.3 Vulnerable Populations
Children and adolescents
Elderly persons
Individuals with disabilities
Economically or socially disadvantaged groups
Refugees and displaced populations
Patients with physical or mental illnesses
3.4 Sensitive Research Topics
Health-related issues
Mental health
Gender and sexuality
Violence and abuse
Political beliefs and behavior
Religious and cultural issues
4. Composition of the REC
The REC consists of the following members representing multidisciplinary expertise:
Chairperson:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Abdullah Al Mamun
Director of Research, International Research Collaboration Bangladesh – ircb
Member 1:
G. M. Ahsan Ullah
CEO, International Research Collaboration Bangladesh – ircb
Member 2:
Dr. Mohammed Mamun Or Rashid
Senior Research Fellow, International Research Collaboration Bangladesh – ircb
Member 3:
Sushan Chowhan
Senior Research Fellow, International Research Collaboration Bangladesh – ircb
Member Secretary:
Babar Khan
Senior Research Fellow, International Research Collaboration Bangladesh – ircb
Decision-Making
The REC may:
Approve the proposal
Approve with minor revisions
Request major revisions
Defer review pending additional information
Reject the proposal
Decisions are preferably reached through consensus; otherwise, by majority vote.
5. Submission Requirements
Researchers have to submit:
Ethical review application form
Research protocol
Participant information sheet
Informed consent form
Assent form (where applicable)
Data collection tools
Data management plan
Budget and funding information
Permissions from collaborating institutions
Risk mitigation plan (if applicable)
Investigator CVs
6. Research Misconduct
The REC addresses allegations of:
Fabrication of data
Falsification of results
Plagiarism
Data manipulation
Unapproved protocol deviations
Misrepresentation of findings
Unethical authorship practices
Breach of participant confidentiality
Confirmed misconduct may result in:
Withdrawal of ethical approval
Notification to affiliated institutions
Restrictions on future submissions
7. Documentation and Record Retention
The REC maintains:
Protocol submissions
Review comments
Meeting agendas
Minutes of meetings
Approval letters
Monitoring reports
Correspondence
Records should be retained for at least 5–10 years after study completion, subject to applicable regulations.
8. Confidentiality
All REC members, staff, and reviewers:
Sign confidentiality agreements.
Maintain confidentiality of protocols and participant information.
Protect proprietary and unpublished information.
9. Compliance with International Standards
The REC operates in accordance with internationally recognized ethical frameworks, including:
World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki)
Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS Guidelines)
Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) Ethical Guidelines
Belmont Report
Relevant national laws, regulations, and institutional policies of Bangladesh.
WHO Standards and Operational Guidance for Ethics Review Committees
ICH-GCP Guidelines.
10. Appeals Process
Researchers may appeal REC decisions by:
Submitting a written appeal within 30 days.
Providing supporting documentation.
Requesting reconsideration by the REC.
The Committee shall review the appeal and communicate its final decision in writing.
11. Amendments to Approved Research
Researchers must obtain REC approval before implementing significant changes to:
Research objectives
Methodology
Participant recruitment procedures
Data collection instruments
Consent procedures
12. Contact Information:
Email: info@ircb.net or ircb.research@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +880 1886-929923
Mailing address: Lalmatia, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Bangaldesh