Bangladesh reaffirms peaceful use of nuclear technology

Delivering Bangladesh delegation's statement on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Vienna yesterday, the minister greeted the 70th IAEA General Conference President and thanked IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his role in advancing peaceful nuclear technology and international cooperation.

Bangladesh has benefited for over five decades from the IAEA's Technical Cooperation Programme in sectors including health, agriculture, food, water management, industry and energy, he said.

Bangladesh recently signed the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026-2032, which will open new opportunities for technical cooperation in the coming years.

Describing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) as a historic milestone for Bangladesh's energy security, the minister said the country has made significant progress towards carbon-free electricity generation through fuel loading at Unit-1, opening new possibilities for meeting growing electricity demand, ensuring energy security and addressing climate change.

Highlighting Bangladesh's firm position on nuclear safety, he said its accession, as the first country in South Asia, to the Joint Convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management reflects its commitment to a safe and responsible nuclear programme.

Bangladesh remains committed to ensuring nuclear safety, security and responsible management in line with the highest international standards, he added.

Stressing the need to take the benefits of science and technology to the doorsteps of the people, the minister said the use of nuclear technology must not be confined to technological advancement alone but applied to improving people's quality of life, enhancing climate resilience, raising food and agricultural productivity and expanding healthcare services.

He particularly emphasised stronger cooperation under the IAEA's “Rays of Hope” initiative to expand access to cancer treatment.

Creating new opportunities for young researchers and scientists, encouraging research and innovation, and building knowledge and technological capacity through international cooperation are priorities for Bangladesh, he said.

He added that the country is committed to using the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology as a tool for sustainable development, public welfare and building a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for future generations.

At the end of speech, the science and technology minister called for deeper international cooperation in expanding peaceful nuclear technology, strengthening nuclear safety and advancing sustainable development, reports BSS.