Ishwardi, Pabna, MAY 11 (V7N) – Eighteen officials and employees of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna have reportedly lost their jobs in the aftermath of a protest demanding the removal of the project's managing director.

While project officials claim the dismissals were due to violations of service rules, the timing suggests a direct link to the recent demonstrations. Simultaneously, for security reasons, the dismissed employees have been barred from entering the Rooppur project site and the Green City residential area.

Ruhul Quddus, the site in-charge of the Rooppur project, confirmed this information on Sunday afternoon (May 11th).

The dismissal orders, signed by Rooppur Project Director and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) Managing Director Dr. Jahedul Hasan, were issued on Thursday (May 8th). The 18 affected officers and employees were notified of their dismissal via email between Thursday and Saturday, and relevant higher authorities were also informed.

The dismissal letter stated that the 18 individuals employed by NPCBL and associated with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project were being released from their service. It also mentioned that they would receive three months' salary as notice payment, in accordance with the rules.

Furthermore, the relevant department has been instructed to prevent these 18 officials and employees from entering the Rooppur project area and Green City for security reasons.

NPCBL Managing Director Dr. Md. Jahedul Hasan stated, "18 people of the company were given discharge letters based on specific allegations of not following the service rules. It is not possible to say anything more than that."

Ruhul Quddus acknowledged the dismissals and stated that the head of the authority responsible for the safety of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been informed and is aware of the situation.

Hashmat Ali, an engineer among those dismissed, confirmed receiving the notice via email. He noted that the specific reasons for the dismissal were not provided. He also stated that he is currently in the process of vacating his residence in the Green City residential area, as instructed by the authorities.

Engineer Hashmat further mentioned that of the 18 dismissed employees, 15 are BSc engineers and three are diploma engineers. He indicated that he and the other dismissed employees would consider legal action against their sudden termination after reviewing the legal aspects.

The company's officials and employees initiated their agitation on April 28th, putting forth various demands, primarily the removal of the Managing Director of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. They held a human chain and press conference in Ishwardi town on Tuesday (May 6th). This was followed by a sit-in and protest program at the company's office within the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project on Wednesday (May 7th)

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