BAEC demonstrates for the restoration of autonomy and 11-points
Scientists, officers, and staff of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) held a mass gathering today at the Commission's headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
They demanded the Commission's autonomy restoration and protested against the Ministry of Science and Technology's continued bureaucratic interference and authoritarian behaviour.
The peaceful assembly, part of a broader movement that began on 23 April, concluded with submitting a memorandum to the Honourable Chief Adviser of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The memorandum, backed by mass public signatures, outlines the Commission's longstanding 11-point demand.
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Commission representatives highlighted that despite submitting an initial memorandum to the Science and Technology Adviser on 15 December 2024 and following up with a formal letter from all professional associations on 10 April 2025, the Ministry has not granted a response or opportunity for dialogue. This continued silence compelled the Commission's stakeholders to announce and initiate peaceful sit-ins and signature collection campaigns across all BAEC institutions.
Between 27 and 28 April, simultaneous sit-ins and signature drives were held at 40 BAEC centres nationwide. On 29 and 30 April, participants wore black badges in protest while continuing their demonstrations from 10 AM to 12 PM each day.
Established in 1973 under Presidential Order No. 15 and currently governed by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Act 2017 (Act No. 23), BAEC is a specialised research institution responsible for overseeing Bangladesh's peaceful use, research, and development of nuclear energy. It aligns with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines and is key in implementing nuclear power projects, scientific research, and education.
Participants of the movement have voiced concern that under the previous authoritarian regime, the Ministry's disregard for BAEC's legal framework led to vacant leadership roles and a weakening of institutional autonomy. Despite the change in government, these issues remain unresolved, with increasing instances of ministerial overreach and administrative dominance threatening the Commission's independence, effectiveness, and morale.
The ongoing protests seek urgent redressal of these systemic problems. In light of the situation, a formal memorandum has been submitted to the Honourable Chief Adviser, urging immediate action to restore autonomy and ensure the functional integrity of this vital national research body.
