Bangladesh reaffirms peaceful nuclear commitment

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear science, the highest standards of safety and stronger international cooperation. Addressing the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he stressed using nuclear technology for public welfare, sustainable development and a safe and prosperous future.

On Tuesday, September 15, a press release in Dhaka said Fakir Mahbub Anam delivered Bangladesh’s statement on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the IAEA’s 70th General Conference in Vienna on Monday, September 14. He greeted the president of the conference and thanked IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his role in expanding the peaceful use of nuclear technology and strengthening international cooperation.

The minister said Bangladesh has benefited from the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme for more than five decades in key areas including health, agriculture, food, water management, industry and energy. Bangladesh has recently signed its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026–2032, which he said would create new opportunities for technical cooperation in the coming years.

Describing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a historic milestone for Bangladesh’s energy security, the minister said the loading of fuel into Unit 1 marked significant progress towards carbon-free electricity generation. He said the project would help meet the country’s growing electricity demand while opening new opportunities for energy security and climate action.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s firm position on nuclear safety, Fakir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh’s inclusion as the first South Asian country in the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management reflects the country’s commitment to a safe and responsible nuclear programme.

He said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining the highest international standards in nuclear safety, security and responsible management.

The minister also stressed that the benefits of science and technology must reach people at the grassroots. Nuclear technology, he said, should not be limited to technological advancement but should also be used to improve quality of life, strengthen climate resilience, increase food and agricultural productivity and expand healthcare.

He particularly emphasised stronger cooperation under the IAEA’s ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative to expand access to cancer treatment.

Fakir Mahbub Anam further said creating new opportunities for young researchers and scientists, encouraging research and innovation, and strengthening knowledge and technological capacity through international cooperation are priorities for Bangladesh.

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

At the end of his statement, the science and technology minister called for deeper international cooperation to expand the peaceful use of nuclear technology, strengthen nuclear safety and advance sustainable development.
//DBTech/SME/IS/MIS//