Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) is the apex national organization responsible for promoting, coordinating, and supporting health and medical research in Bangladesh. It was established on 6 March 1972 by an order of the President as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The Council's objectives, rules, and regulations were formally approved by government resolutions in 1974 and 1976. BMRC serves as the national focal point for health research, identifying priority research areas based on the country's healthcare needs, national health policies, and development goals.
Since its inception, BMRC has played a leading role in strengthening Bangladesh's health research system through funding research projects, developing research capacity, promoting ethical standards, and disseminating scientific findings. The Council supports research in medicine, public health, nutrition, reproductive health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, environmental health, and other health-related disciplines. It also organizes training workshops on research methodology, biostatistics, scientific writing, research ethics, and evidence-based healthcare to enhance the skills of researchers across the country.
BMRC is governed by a General Body comprising representatives from medical universities, medical colleges, research institutes, professional organizations, government ministries, and other health-related institutions. The General Body elects an Executive Committee, headed by a Chairman, which oversees the Council's strategic direction and activities. Through collaboration with national and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), BMRC has contributed significantly to the advancement of health research, research governance, and policy development in Bangladesh.
Over the years, BMRC has established several landmark initiatives, including the publication of the BMRC Bulletin (since 1975), the development of research cells in medical colleges, the establishment of the National Research Ethics Committee (NREC), and the promotion of health systems research. These initiatives have strengthened the country's research infrastructure and facilitated the translation of scientific evidence into national health policies and practices. Today, BMRC remains the central institution for fostering quality health research and supporting evidence-based decision-making to improve the health and well-being of the people of Bangladesh.