This paper presents an initiative to build a new generation of midwifery faculty in Bangladesh, with the ultimate objective of providing insight into how to build capacity in the midwifery faculty to best utilize the existing academic, health care and policy environment. The initiative focuses on a promising approach that starts with a new generation of midwifery faculty who can lead a chain of change when separating midwifery teaching from nursing. The initiative identified four different interdependent components of equal importance, namely the initiation of master’s and bachelor’s degrees, development of accreditation guidelines and tools, and a mentorship programme. Building a new generation of midwifery faculty has the potential, despite challenges, to enhance retention, foster greater commitment for the institutions, increase research and contribute to the attainment of national goals