Atomic Energy Commission employees declare nationwide protest
As the movement demanding the restoration of autonomy for the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) enters its seventh consecutive day, scientists, officers, and staff from all levels of the Commission have announced a mass gathering and memorandum submission programme for Sunday, 4 May 2025.
The demonstration will occur from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Commission's headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Following the gathering, a delegation representing the Commission's professionals will formally submit a memorandum, accompanied by a collection of mass signatures, to the Honourable Chief Adviser of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
The announcement came after Wednesday's sit-in programme at the BAEC headquarters. Despite repeated appeals, the government has yet to respond to the Commission's 11-point demand, which includes reinstating its institutional autonomy and ending undue ministerial interference and authoritarian conduct.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
On 18 December 2024, the Scientists' Association formally requested a meeting with the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology to discuss these issues. However, no appointment was granted. Subsequently, on 10 April 2025, the Scientists' Association, Officers' Association, and Employees' Welfare Association submitted three separate memoranda to the Science and Technology Adviser. With no visible action taken, the Commission's professional bodies were compelled to organise a press conference on 22 April 2025, followed by coordinating sit-in protests at all Commission offices.
Since 23 April, all BAEC institutions have been observing daily protests from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. As part of these peaceful demonstrations, staff members have worn black badges and collected public signatures supporting their cause.
On 4 May, all scientists, officers, and employees from the Commission's Dhaka-based institutions will participate in the mass gathering at headquarters, while staff stationed outside the capital will simultaneously wear black badges in solidarity.
The Commission's professionals urge the Honourable Chief Adviser to intervene and safeguard the autonomy and integrity of the country's premier public research institution, which plays a critical role in national development and welfare.
