We, the graduates, faculty and current students of the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, recognizing the vital role of zoological science in conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and protecting public and ecosystem health, establish this Constitution to found the Dhaka University Graduate Zoologists Association (DUGZA). Acting in the spirit of unity, service, and stewardship, DUGZA shall foster professional excellence, nurture leadership among students, support conservation and One Health initiatives, and advance the welfare of its members and the wider community.
Article I — Name, Address & Legal Status
1.1 Name: The name of the Association shall be Dhaka University Graduate Zoologists Association (DUGZA).
1.2 Registered Office: The registered office of DUGZA shall be located at the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, or such other address as determined by the Executive Committee.
1.3 Legal Status: DUGZA is an independent, non-profit association of graduates, faculty and students. DUGZA may register under applicable national laws and shall comply with all legal and tax obligations.
Article II — Definitions
2.1 “Association” or “DUGZA” means Dhaka University Graduate Zoologists Association.
2.2 “Member” means a person whose membership is valid under Article III.
2.3 “Preliminary Member / Student Member” means a current student of the Department of Zoology.
2.4 “General Assembly (GA)” means the supreme body of members as defined in Article V.
2.5 “Executive Committee (EC)” means the elected managing committee as defined in Article VI.
(Other defined terms may be added as needed.)
Article III — Objectives
The objectives of DUGZA are to: 3.1 Unite graduates, teachers, researchers and students of the Department of Zoology for professional development, networking and fellowship.
3.2 Promote zoological research, innovation, and dissemination of scientific knowledge.
3.3 Foster biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stewardship, and nature-based climate resilience.
3.4 Advance One Health principles connecting human, animal, and environmental health.
3.5 Support student leadership, mentorship, internships and career development.
3.6 Organize community outreach, citizen science, disaster response, and public awareness programs for inclusive development.
3.7 Provide welfare support, emergency assistance and promote peace and prosperity among members.
3.8 Build partnerships with academic, governmental, non-governmental and international organizations to achieve the above objectives.
Article IV — Membership
4.1 Membership Categories:
a) Life Member — Graduates who pay the life membership fee.
b) General Member — Alumni who pay annual membership fees.
c) Preliminary / Student Member — Current students of the Department (nominal or no fee).
d) Honorary Member — Individuals of exceptional contribution, nominated and approved by EC/GA.
e) Institutional / Partner Member — Organizations allied with DUGZA’s objectives.
4.2 Eligibility: Graduates of the Department of Zoology are eligible for Life or General membership. Current students are eligible for Preliminary membership. Honorary and institutional membership as defined above.
4.3 Enrollment: Applicants shall complete the official registration form and provide required documents. The Secretariat shall maintain the Member Registry.
4.4 Rights:
a) Life and General Members have voting rights at GA (subject to registration and any dues requirements).
b) Preliminary / Student Members may participate fully in events and committees but have limited voting rights as defined in bylaws.
c) Honorary and Institutional Members have privileges as specified on admission.
4.5 Duties and Conduct: Members shall uphold DUGZA’s values, abide by this Constitution, respect the Code of Conduct, and promptly pay fees where applicable.
4.6 Suspension/Termination: Membership may be suspended or terminated for misconduct or breach of rules following a fair process as defined in the bylaws.
Article V — General Assembly (GA)
5.1 Composition and Authority: The GA comprises all registered members and is the supreme decision-making body of DUGZA.
5.2 Annual General Meeting (AGM):
a) DUGZA shall hold an AGM at least once per calendar year to approve reports, accounts, budgets, elect EC, and transact other business.
b) Notice: Members shall receive at least 30 days’ written notice of the AGM with agenda.
c) Quorum: The quorum for AGM shall be [specify percentage or number — e.g., 20% of registered voting members] unless otherwise specified.
d) Voting: Decisions shall be by simple majority unless this Constitution requires a special majority.
5.3 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM): An EGM may be convened by the EC, or upon written request of [specify number/percentage] members, to address urgent matters.
Article VI — Executive Committee (EC): Composition, Election &
Tenure
6.1 Composition: The EC shall be elected by the GA and shall consist of the following offices (or such offices as GA may decide):
President
Vice-Presidents
General Secretary
Joint Secretary
Treasurer
Organizing Secretary
Public Relations & Communications Secretary
Academic & Research Secretary
Environment, Climate & One Health Secretary
Student & Youth Affairs Secretary
Cultural & Welfare Secretary
Up to 10–15 General Members representing batches, regions and professional sectors
6.2 Election & Tenure:
a) The EC shall be elected every two years by the GA.
b) Election procedure shall be prescribed by an Election Committee and by bylaws.
c) EC members may serve a maximum of [specify consecutive terms] unless waived by GA.
6.3 Vacancies: Vacancies may be filled by EC appointment until the next GA as per bylaws.
6.4 Removal: An EC member may be removed for cause following due process, including a fair hearing and vote by GA/EC as defined in bylaws.
Article VII — Powers and Duties of EC and Office Bearers
7.1 The EC shall implement GA decisions, manage affairs, prepare budgets and annual reports, and oversee programs.
7.2 Specific duties (examples):
President: Provide leadership, represent DUGZA, preside over GA and EC.
Vice-President(s): Support President and oversee portfolios.
General Secretary: Administrative head, maintain records, coordinate meetings and communication.
Joint Secretary: Assist General Secretary; student engagement liaison.
Treasurer: Financial management, bookkeeping, prepare accounts and budgets.
Other Secretaries/Coordinators: Manage assigned portfolios (events, research, outreach, welfare, communications).
7.3 Committees: EC shall establish Standing Committees (Academic & Research; Biodiversity & Conservation; Climate & One Health; Student Affairs; Welfare; Finance & Audit; Communication & IT) and ad hoc committees as required. Committee coordinators report to EC.
Article VIII — Secretariat, Records and Membership Registry
8.1 Secretariat: A Secretariat shall be maintained to support administration and program delivery, supervised by the General Secretary.
8.2 Records: DUGZA shall maintain records of members, minutes, financial statements and program reports. Records shall be stored electronically and in physical form as required.
8.3 Data Protection and Privacy. DUGZA shall protect members’ personal data and use it only for legitimate association purposes. Members give consent to store and use directory data during registration.
Article IX — Finance, Funds and Audit
9.1 Sources of Funds: Membership fees, donations, grants, event revenue, fundraising and other lawful sources.
9.2 Financial Management:
a) The Treasurer shall maintain accurate accounts and bank records.
b) No funds shall be disbursed except upon authorization according to financial rules passed by the EC/GA.
9.3 Annual Accounts & Audit: The accounts shall be audited annually by an independent auditor, and audited accounts presented to the AGM.
9.4 Fiscal Year. DUGZA’s financial year shall end on [e.g., 30 June] (or specify).
Article X — Meetings, Quorum & Voting
10.1 EC Meetings: EC shall meet at least [specify frequency, e.g., quarterly] or as required. Notice shall be given in advance.
10.2 Quorum: Quorum for EC meetings shall be [specify number/percentage]. Quorum for committees determined by bylaws.
10.3 Voting: Decisions generally by simple majority; tie votes resolved by the Chair’s casting vote, unless otherwise dictated.
10.4 Remote Participation: Meetings may be held virtually; participation shall be valid for quorum and voting if procedures in bylaws are followed.
Article XI — Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution
11.1 Code of Conduct: Members shall adhere to DUGZA’s Code of Conduct promoting respect, non-discrimination, academic integrity and environmental ethics.
11.2 Grievance & Discipline: The EC shall establish procedures for handling complaints, disciplinary action and appeals, ensuring fair hearings and confidentiality.
Article XII — Amendments to the Constitution
12.1 Proposal: Amendments may be proposed by the EC or by a petition signed by [specify percentage] of members.
12.2 Adoption: Amendments require [specify majority — e.g., two-thirds] of votes cast at the AGM or an EGM convened for this purpose.
12.3 Notice: Proposed amendments must be circulated to members at least [30] days prior to vote.
Article XIII — Dissolution
13.1 Dissolution: DUGZA may be dissolved by a resolution passed by [specify majority — e.g., two-thirds] of voting members at a specially convened GA.
13.2 Disposal of Assets: On dissolution, assets after settlement of liabilities shall be transferred to an entity with similar objectives as decided by GA, or as required by law.
Article XIV — Transitional & Miscellaneous Provisions
14.1 Transitional EC: At formation, an interim EC may be appointed and shall call the first AGM within [e.g., 12 months].
14.2 Bylaws: GA may adopt bylaws & operational rules consistent with this Constitution for detailed procedures (e.g., election rules, fees schedule, committee charters).
14.3 Effective Date: This Constitution becomes effective on adoption by the founding GA and remains in force until amended