The submitted manuscript will undergo a review process with the explicit understanding that it is exclusively being considered for publication in the BJMR at the present time. The manuscript must not have been published previously, concurrently submitted to other publications, or already accepted for publication elsewhere, either in part or in its entirety. The journal requires that the authors designate one of them to serve as the main point of contact with the Journal for all communication pertaining to the manuscript. Upon receipt, all manuscripts will receive a formal acknowledgment of submission.

Review criteria

Manuscripts submitted in BSMMU Journal are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Originality and timeliness of the content.

• Clarity and adherence to the guidelines for authors in the writing of the manuscript.

• Appropriate use of study methods.

• Validity of the data presented.

• Reasonable and well-supported conclusions drawn from the data.

• The significance, relevance, and medically importance of the information provided in the manuscript.

Upon submission, the editors conduct an initial assessment of all received manuscripts to determine their suitability for formal review. Manuscripts lacking originality, significant scientific or technical merit, or a substantial message are promptly rejected before proceeding to the formal peer-review process. Additionally, manuscripts that may not align with the interests of the BSMMU Journal readers are also susceptible to rejection at this preliminary stage.

Manuscripts that pass the initial review are forwarded by the Executive Editor to both internal and external peer reviewers for evaluation. It is important to note that editorial board members who are authors of a submitted manuscript are not involved in the publication decision-making process. Their exclusion ensures impartiality and fairness in the review and selection of manuscripts for publication.

Peer review mode

BJMR uses open or single-blind (if reviewer wants the identity of the peer reviewer is kept confidential, but the author’s identity is made known to the reviewer) peer review process.

Manuscripts that are found apparently suitable for publication in BSMMU Journal are sent to two or more expert reviewers. During submission, the contributor is requested to provide names of two or three qualified reviewers who have had experience in the subject of the submitted manuscript, but this is not mandatory. The reviewers should not be affiliated with the same institutes as the contributor/s. However, the selection of these reviewers is at the sole discretion of the editor. Every manuscript is also assigned to a member of the editorial team, who based on the comments from the reviewers takes a final decision on the manuscript. The comments and suggestions (acceptance/ rejection/ amendments in manuscript) received from reviewers are conveyed to the corresponding author. If required, the author is requested to provide a point-by-point response to reviewers' comments and submit a revised version of the manuscript. This process is repeated till reviewers and editors are satisfied with the manuscript.

Online review system

In order to facilitate a convenient and efficient peer review process, we conduct our peer reviews electronically using the OJS system.

Recognition for reviewers

Reviewers play a fundamental role in the publication process, serving as its cornerstone. The peer review system is essential for ensuring the reliability and credibility of research. At BJMR, we deeply value the vital role that reviewers undertake in the review process, and wants to encourage good standards of review. As an expression of our gratitude and recognition for their valuable contributions, BSMMU Journal compiles an "Annual list of reviewers" . This comprehensive list publicly acknowledges and appreciates the reviewers' efforts across all BSMMU journals. Through this annual list, we extend our heartfelt thanks to reviewers for their dedication in upholding the quality of research articles.

Online publication

Manuscripts accepted for publication undergo copy editing to address grammar, punctuation, print style, and format. The corresponding author receives page proofs and is required to return the corrected proofs within three days. The finalized version of the manuscript will be available on the journal's website. The entire process, from initial submission to the final decision, as well as sending and receiving proofs, is conducted online.

Submission turnaround time

• In-house review: 1-2 weeks

• External peer review: 3-4 weeks

• Formal publication: 3-6 weeks. Original Articles are listed as priority.