Brac James P Grant School of Public Health (Brac JPGSPH), Brac University, welcomed the newly elected members of the Bangladesh Midwifery Society (BMS) 2025 committee at a program held on Wednesday at Brac JPGSPH.
BMS, the national professional body for midwives, plays a vital role in strengthening midwifery leadership, elevating professional standards, and advancing safe, evidence-based maternal and newborn care across Bangladesh, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
The newly elected BMS National Executive Committee members are--Rujina Khatun, president; Afsana Akther, vice-president; Hasna Akter, general secretary; Bokul Akter Liza, education secretary; Sangita Saha Prema, treasurer; Rima Akter, executive member; Aysha Begum, executive member; and Taslima Akther, executive member.
The director and head of the Midwifery Education Program, Brac JPGSPH, Dr Sharmina Rahman, congratulated the new committee and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to continued partnership.
She said: “It is a great honour to be here today (Wednesday) as we celebrate the newly elected leaders of the Bangladesh Midwifery Society. Your election reflects the trust and expectations of midwives across the country.”
She added: “By promoting evidence-based practice, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring midwives can work to their full scope, BMS can drive substantial progress—saving between 11,000 and 31,000 lives depending on the scale of midwifery-led care.”
She further said: “BMS can work with policymakers, regulators, and partners to ensure quality education, fair deployment, career growth, and safe working environments. Your leadership is crucial for advancing midwifery, protecting the rights of midwives, and improving maternal and newborn health nationwide. We look forward to supporting your vision in every possible way.”
Khoma Rani Baroi, deputy director (Midwifery), Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), praised the elected leaders and highlighted the growing impact of midwives.
She noted that midwives are now creating demand among patients and playing an increasingly vital role in improving maternal and newborn health.
Rawshan Ara, national midwifery officer, UNFPA, appreciated the leadership of midwives and emphasized the need to expand midwifery positions and the scope of practice. She thanked Brac University for developing strong midwifery leaders.
Samia Afrin, chief election commissioner of the BMS Election 2025 and representative from Naripokkho, congratulated the elected members and reflected on the transparent and participatory election process.
She emphasized that midwives are active frontline professionals and encouraged women to continue raising their voices for stronger leadership and representation.
BMS President Rujina Khatun shared her vision for the new committee, saying: “Our priority is to advance midwifery-led services by working toward establishing midwifery-led care centres under BMS. We aim to introduce post-basic midwifery programs to support professional development and career progression.”
She added: “Ensuring proper protocols and standards in labour rooms nationwide will be a key focus. Together, we are committed to creating an enabling environment where midwives can deliver safe, respectful, and evidence-based care for every mother and newborn.”
Dean Dr Laura Reichenbach, Brac JPGSPH, said: “Brac University is strongly committed to advancing midwifery education and leadership in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Midwifery Society can be a powerful voice for the profession—strengthening standards and advocating for midwives.”
She added: “We are proud that Brac JPGSPH has been teaching midwives since 2013, contributing to a stronger workforce. Together with BMS, the government, and international partners, we can continue improving midwifery practice and maternal health across the country.”
