Government to make nuclear technology key development pillar

Dhaka, August 16, 2026: The government will take necessary initiatives to establish nuclear science and technology as one of the key pillars of development in modern Bangladesh, said Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam.

He said the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has a large pool of skilled scientists and PhD researchers whose expertise and research findings need to be utilised more effectively for national development.

The minister made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion meeting titled “Determining Measures to Strengthen the Institutional and Practical Capacity of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission”, organised by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists Association (BAESA) at the Dr Anwar Hossain Auditorium of BAEC in Agargaon, Dhaka.

He said the government would review the problems faced by scientists and researchers on a priority basis and take steps to address them. The government is also considering how a “Fund for Funds” could be used to support young scientists and researchers.

Nuclear technology beyond power generation
Fakir Mahbub Anam said nuclear technology has significant potential beyond electricity generation, particularly in food security, agriculture, healthcare, cancer treatment, industry and human-resource development.

He said the government would encourage innovative research among young people and provide support for startups and new technology development.

Rooppur to proceed after safety checks
Regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the minister said the project would be commissioned only after necessary tests and technical activities are completed and safety and international standards are ensured.

“No decision will be taken hastily,” he said.

The minister said fuel loading at the Rooppur plant had been completed and engineers were working intensively at the site. Minor issues are now being examined closely, he added.

On small modular reactors (SMRs), he said Bangladesh was seriously considering the technology’s potential. However, future decisions would be taken only after properly assessing safety, technological capability and economic viability.

Greater use of nuclear technology in healthcare
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad highlighted the importance of nuclear medicine and said there was significant scope to expand the use of nuclear technology in healthcare.

He said nuclear medicine services are already available in different parts of the country, but their benefits need to reach a wider section of the population. For this, the capacity and service coverage of BAEC should be expanded.

The adviser said the future capacity of Bangladesh’s nuclear science and technology sector would depend on skilled human resources, research, technological innovation and effective institutional capacity.

He called for greater opportunities for training, skills development and research for scientists and researchers, along with ensuring appropriate professional facilities.

He urged BAEC scientists, researchers and officials to work together to utilise nuclear science and technology for energy security, healthcare, industry and economic development.

Science secretary calls for roadmap
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said BAEC is one of the country’s specialised scientific institutions. Despite its long institutional history and large pool of skilled scientists and researchers, he said the commission needs to ensure optimal use of its existing capabilities.

He called for a clear roadmap for BAEC based on future national requirements.

The secretary said the potential of SMRs, nuclear medicine, agriculture, industry and other areas should be explored. Cooperation with the private sector, universities and industries should also be strengthened so that research outcomes can be converted into practical applications and market-oriented innovations.

He said overseas training and higher education for scientists and researchers should not be viewed simply as foreign travel, but as an investment in human resources and knowledge-based capacity.

He also said proposals concerning additional manpower, updating the organisational structure and promotions would be considered in line with government rules and national policies.

The secretary stressed the need for coordinated research and innovation among BAEC, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the National Institute of Biotechnology, universities and industries.

He further called for future plans to focus on young scientists and researchers and for an effective human-resource development and research pipeline in nuclear science and nuclear physics.

He also emphasised forming an advisory framework involving former and current BAEC scientists, researchers and experts to help determine the commission’s future action plans.

Focus on research-to-application
The secretary said the government’s objective was not merely to conduct research but to ensure that research outcomes were effectively applied to national development, industrialisation, public services and economic activities.

He said BAEC could be transformed into an internationally competitive research and service institution through coordinated initiatives, specific planning and effective implementation.

Dr A S M Saifullah, Director General of the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) and President of BAESA, presented a paper titled “Strengthening the Institutional and Practical Capacity of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission: Current Status, Challenges and Way Forward” and chaired the discussion.

Among others, BAEC Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority Chairman Mahmudul Hasan, former BAEC Chairman Dr Sarwar Hossain, BAEC Member (Planning) Md Hasinur Rahman, former BAEC Chairman Engineer Md Ali Zulkarnain and former BAPSHK Director Dr Faria Nasrin spoke at the event.

BAESA General Secretary and Director of INGS, AERE, Dr Md Golam Rasul delivered the welcome address.

The Science and Technology Minister, adviser and secretary were presented with crests at the event. The minister also unveiled Anwesha, the science-based publication and mouthpiece of BAESA.

Dr Humayun Kabir, Project Director of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project, directors of BAEC, scientists and officials from different levels of the commission were also present.
//DigiBanglaTech/ MAM/ MIS//