FNCA 2018 Study Panel on “Enhancing Domestic Measuresin the Field of Nuclear Law”, 23rd March 2018

Legal Framework for Public Participation
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MEHERUN NAHARCHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICERBANGLADESH ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORYAUTHORITY

Introduction2

 Public participation is particularly significant in theenvironmental decision-making process for tworeasons.

Firstly, there has been growing public concern about therelationship between environmental health and human wellbeing .
 Secondly, there is increasing demand from the international
community for good governance, which generally includes useof participatory dialogue process between the government andcivil society.
 Environmental matters affect an entire nation and public
participation in such matters enhances governmental
accountability and acceptability , thereby leading to lesslitigation, fewer delays and generally better implementation ofdecisions .
Public Participation in Environmental Law in
Bangladesh3

 Public participation is like the cornerstone inenvironmental development in Bangladesh In shaping any policies , in proposal of any plansand implementation, public participation play avital role

 Although in terms of environmental development

the important of public participation has been
widely accepted, its importance has not beenreflected properly in environmental conservation
law in Bangladesh

Right of Public Participation under theBangladesh Constitution –4

 Article 31 of the Bangladesh Constitution implicitly

endorses the citizens’ “procedural right” toparticipate in the government’s decision making
process if such decision affects the citizens’“substantive rights”, for example, the right to life
under Article 32 of the Bangladesh Constitution.

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Legal Framework for Public Participation in
Bangladesh for Nuclear Activities

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Legal Instrument for Nuclear Safety In
Bangladesh
6Bangladesh Atomic Energy
Regulatory (BAER) Act2012 (Act No. 19 of

Nuclear Safety andRadiation Control(NSRC Rules-1997
Regulatory Guides( Radiotherapy, Site
Evaluation for Nuclear
Safety)Sample footer

Regulatory Framework
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Bangladesh Atomic Energy • Regulate the peaceful use of atomic
Regulatory Act-2012(Act no energy
19 of 2012)

Nuclear Safety andRadiation Control (NSRC)
Rules-1997

Regulatory Body

Sample footer• Provides more detailed provisions
entrusted by the Act.

• Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory
Body was established under section 4 ofthe BAER ACT-2012 for carrying out
the purposes of the Act-2012

Legal Framework
8Section 11 of BAER Act 2012 describe the Responsibilities
and Functions of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory
Authority :Public Participation(a)According to section 11 (13) BAERA is responsible to establish a publicparticipation system through seminar, workshop, electronic andprint media and internet, etc for information and consultations withinterested parties about the possible risks associated with facilities
and activities.
(b)
According to section 11(32) BAERA is responsible to publish related
information and communicate with relevant agencies, the public andthe media(c)According to section 11(33) BAERA is also responsible to takeinitiative for creating awareness among the public concerning
nuclear safety and radiation protection
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Public Participation Activities in Bangladesh for
Nuclear Activities

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Dialogue with Public
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Stakeholders Involvements and Public
Communications
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General Communication Program12

 Scientific Information Division: Under BAEC, thisdivision is working for dissemination of informationregarding nuclear applications and nuclear power
projects through Publishing booklets/ brochures, Press release for news media (local & International) etc.
 Response to queries placed by phone/letter/email.
 attending Science fairs/exhibition (focused on students
and common People), TV shows; dialogue and open discussion with newsmedia
 Seminar and round table discussion with print &electronic media also held often.

Interaction with Media at Site and National Forum
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Round table discussion among
BAEC officials and other national
experts on Nuclear Power
Programme

Interaction with Media at Site and National Forum
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Interaction with Media at Site
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Public Awareness Programme16

Public Awareness ProgrammeEngagement with Local Community
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Future Plan of Public Activities18

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