Scientists, officers, and employees of the Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRiCM) held a press conference on Saturday protesting against Mala Khan, ex-DG of BRiCM and president of BRiCM unit of Bangabandhu Parishad, accusing her of threats, abductions, and filing false cases to harass her colleagues.
They have also demanded the withdrawal of false charges and immediate release of BRiCM scientific officer Mashiur Rahman. They also presented a five-point demand.
The press conference was held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, where BRiCM scientists and employees made these demands.
The speakers accused Mala Khan of using a fake PhD degree to secure the position of chief scientific officer at BRiCM and subsequently taking over the role of director general.
They alleged that she has taken control of projects worth hundreds of crores of taka and occupied the presidency of the Bangabandhu Scientific Council.
The speakers further claimed that before the public protests on August 5, Mala Khan, in collaboration with Awami League minister Yeafesh Osman, held several meetings on the BRiCM premises to suppress the movement.
At the time, BRiCM scientists, officers, employees, and research fellows supported the movement through social media activities, for which they were threatened with dismissal.
Additionally, they alleged that following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Mala Khan has been attempting to conceal her political identity and has sought the support of other political parties.
In the face of recommendations to form an investigative committee to probe her alleged illegal activities, she has exploited delays in the process to harass those protesting against her within the organization.
As part of this harassment, on Wednesday, scientific officer Mashiur Rahman was allegedly abducted by a gang on the pretext of a meeting for negotiations.
When he refused to comply, he was handed over to New Market police station and later named as the 16th accused in a July 19 case involving the burning of a BCSIR vehicle.
However, the actual culprits of the case remain at large, the speakers claimed.
The scientists and employees of BRiCM made several demands during the press conference.
These include the immediate dismissal of Mala Khan, followed by an investigation into the allegations against her, with a report to be submitted within 10 working days.
They also called for legal action if the accusations are proven.
Additionally, they demanded the withdrawal of all harassment-related cases against Mashiur Rahman and his unconditional release.
They emphasized the need for improved safety and security measures for all BRiCM employees.
