Ministry seeks Atomic Energy Commission's explanation on its undermined authority
Scientists and employees of the commission, at a press conference on 22 April, alleged that its autonomy has been severely undermined
The Ministry of Science and Technology has formally asked the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission to explain how its authority has been undermined, following recent allegations raised by the Commission's scientists.
In a letter issued today (23 April), the ministry requested a detailed list—along with references and copies—of any ministry correspondence from August 2024 to March 2025 that involved undue interference affecting the authority of the Atomic Energy Commission.
The move comes a day after BAEC scientists, officers, and staff held a press conference at its Sher-e-Bangla Nagar headquarters, where they alleged that the autonomy of this scientist-led institution has been severely undermined.
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Addressing the briefing, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists' Association President ASM Saifullah alleged that ministry officials are "violating the rights and lawful benefits of scientists and employees by abusing their authority."
Highlighting that obstacles are being placed in the higher education and training of the scientists at the Commission, the or said that in 2011, the then government revoked the Commission's authority to issue government orders and vested that power in the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Since then, scientists have been deprived in various ways when it comes to pursuing higher education and training, he added.
In response, the ministry issued five separate letters to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman, requesting all related documents be submitted by 27 April.
