Guidelines for Reviewers

BSMMUJ is dedicated to publishing high-quality research that meets strong ethical standards and undergoes rigorous peer review. These guidelines, based on COPE and ICMJE recommendations, outline how reviewers can provide fair, constructive, and ethical evaluations.

  1. BSMMUJ follows a single-anonymous peer review system, means reviewers know the authors’ identities, while authors remain unaware of reviewers unless disclosed by reviewer.
  2. To enhance openness and accountability, BSMMUJ implements transparent peer review, where review report made publicly available.
  3. Reviewers are invited via email and respond through the online platform. They ensure submitted studies:
    • Are scientifically valid
    • Meet ethical requirements
    • Follow proper reporting guidelines (e.g., STROBE for observational studies)

The final publication decision is made by the “Editorial Office”, based on reviewers’ recommendations.

  1. Interested experts can join the reviewer pool by sending a CV and their areas of expertise to the Editorial Office (email: journal.executiveeditor@bsmmu.edu.bd).
  2. Review guidelines
    • Disclose any conflicts of interest related to the manuscript.
    • Reviewers should provide unbiased, and constructive feedback aimed at improving the work.
    • If essential elements are missing or inaccurately reported, reviewers should clearly explain what needs to be added or corrected.
    • Unpublished manuscripts must be treated strictly as confidential.
    • Reviewers may not share or disclose manuscript details with others without permission from the editorial team.
    • Reviewers should notify editors if they use AI tools while reviewing and must ensure confidentiality is not compromised.
    • If discussion with a colleague is needed, the colleague must be informed of the confidentiality obligations, their contribution should be acknowledged in the review, they should be encouraged to register as reviewers.
    • If an ethical concern arises (e.g., suspected plagiarism, fabrication, falsification), reviewers may confidentially notify the Editorial Office.
    • We greatly appreciate the time, expertise, and dedication of our reviewers in helping maintain the quality of BSMMUJ.