Ishwardi, Pabna, May 15 (V7N) – Eight additional officials and employees of the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) working on the under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in Ishwardi, Pabna, have been temporarily suspended and barred from entering the project area.

The suspension and access restriction were announced in two separate letters signed by NPCBL Managing Director and Project Director Md. Jahedul Hasan on Tuesday (May 13th). These letters were reportedly sent via email to the concerned officials and various departments today, Wednesday (May 14th).

Ruhul Quddus, the site in-charge of the Rooppur project, confirmed this information.

This action follows the dismissal of 18 other officials from their jobs and their subsequent ban from the project area on May 8th, under similar circumstances.

The eight newly suspended officials are identified as NPCBL Assistant Manager Iktiar Uddin Mohammad Biplob, Shamim Ahmed, Mohammad Salauddin, Md. Golam Azam, Senior Assistant Manager Md. Monir, Senior Deputy Assistant Manager Golam Azam, and technicians Riaz Uddin and Ismail Hossain.

The suspension notice alleges that these individuals have engaged in anti-disciplinary or sabotage activities within the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project area and NPCBL. They are also accused of neglecting their duties. They have been directed to provide an explanation within the next 10 days as to why punitive action should not be taken against them. In the interim, their temporary suspension is in effect.

A separate letter concerning access to the project area states that for security reasons, these 8 officials and employees are now prohibited from entering the under-construction power plant area of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project.

However, the suspended officials maintain that their suspension is an illegal retaliatory measure for protesting against the perceived injustices of the company's managing director. They are reportedly continuing discussions on the matter in Dhaka.

An engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that all the affected individuals work efficiently within the organization and that this action is being taken against them for voicing their legitimate demands. They strongly condemned and protested against the suspensions.

Attempts to reach NPCBL Managing Director Md. Jahedul Hasan for comment on the temporary suspension of these eight individuals were unsuccessful.

However, regarding the earlier dismissal of 18 people, he had stated, "The decision was taken after following proper investigation and process. This step is in the interest of maintaining the discipline and security of the company."

It is important to note that NPCBL officials and employees have been engaged in protests for several days, raising various demands, including the removal of the company's Managing Director Md. Jahedul Hasan. Their actions have included a human chain and press conference in Ishwardi town on May 6th, as well as a sit-in protest within the project area.

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