Scientists and staff of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission stage sit-ins
Protesting against the erosion of autonomy and authoritarian interference by the Ministry, scientists, officers, and employees of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) observed simultaneous sit-ins and mass signature campaigns on 27 and 28 April 2025 across the Commission's headquarters and 40 affiliated institutions nationwide.
Despite submitting a memorandum to the Adviser for Science and Technology outlining their grievances, the Ministry has not responded or provided an opportunity for dialogue. Consequently, on 22 April 2025, a press conference was held at the Commission's headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, followed by the announcement of a series of protests, including sit-ins on 23 and 24 April.
The protests continued with mass signature campaigns in support of the demands from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on 27 and 28 April and will include further sit-ins and wearing of black badges on 29 and 30 April.
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Scientists, officers, and employees from all tiers of the Commission have jointly presented 11 key demands.
Long-standing vacancies in leadership positions have led to a crisis of autonomy, disrupting research, development, and service delivery and tarnishing the image of this internationally recognised nuclear research body. Obstruction to higher education and training opportunities, salary discrimination, delayed promotions, and lack of new posts discourage young scientists, resulting in an alarming trend of career shifts away from the Commission, threatening the future of nuclear science in Bangladesh.
Additionally, attempts to undermine the Commission's authority over the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, enforced inclusion in the unsuitable iBAS++ system, and blocked fund disbursements have severely affected operations. This has created uncertainty in the payment of salaries, pensions, and benefits for around 2,500 employees, fuelling widespread resentment and frustration.
The BAEC, established under Presidential Order No. 15 of 1973 and now governed by the BAEC Act 2017 (Act No. 23), operates through 40 specialised institutes engaged in nuclear research, education, healthcare, and services. Its significant contributions include affordable cancer treatment, isotope supply, tissue banking, radiation services for export goods, environmental testing, radioactive waste management, and operating the 3-Megawatt Research Reactor and 3-Megavolt Tandem Accelerator.
Moreover, BAEC scientists are supervising the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant at Rooppur.
