opportunity to visit the Atomic Energy Centre, Chattogram (AECC). The educational tour was organized by the Science Department and included students from Class 8, along with science students from Classes 9 and 10. This insightful trip provided us with a deeper understanding of the peaceful applications of nuclear science and the crucial role AECC plays in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development.
AECC, established in 2013 under the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), is dedicated to supporting national priorities such as public health, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection through research and innovation in nuclear science.
We arrived at the facility at 10:10 a.m. and were warmly welcomed by Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Director and Chief Scientific Officer of AECC. The visit began in the conference hall, where Dr. Hossain delivered an engaging presentation outlining the Centre’s history, mission, and key objectives. He also addressed the growing issue of environmental pollution, particularly its effects on marine life, and shared how AECC is actively working to combat these problems using scientific methods.
After the presentation, we were taken on a tour of AECC’s cutting-edge laboratories, including the Gamma Spectroscopy Laboratory (GSL) and the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL).
At the Gamma Spectroscopy Laboratory, Dr. Manish Debnath guided us through the lab’s sophisticated instruments. He explained the lab’s vital role in monitoring environmental radioactivity, testing imported food products for radiation, ensuring safety in industries, and conducting radiation surveys in steel mills and ship-breaking yards.
Our next stop was the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, where we met Chowdhury Kaiser Mahmud. He explained the lab’s focus on environmental research, particularly in tackling pollution in air, water, and soil—work that directly contributes to the country’s sustainable development.
The visit was both educational and inspiring. It broadened our understanding of how science and technology can address real-world challenges and underscored the importance of sustainability in national progress. We are sincerely thankful to AECC for their warm hospitality and for giving us the opportunity to witness how nuclear science is being used for the betterment of society.