Nuclear power programme a test of governance, public trust: Speakers

Bangladesh's nuclear power journey is not only a technological achievement but also a test of the country's governance capacity, institutional resilience and ability to build long-term public trust, speakers said at a high-level strategic roundtable.

They said policymakers, parliamentarians, government officials, businesses, academics, journalists and other stakeholders need a clear understanding of nuclear energy responsibilities, safety obligations, transparency, human resource development and public confidence, according to a Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission press release Saturday (13 June).

The views were expressed on the final day of a two-day event titled "High-Level Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh's Path Forward", which began on Friday at Swapnadweep Resort in Green City, Ishwardi, Pabna.

The roundtable focused on the current status and future prospects of Bangladesh's nuclear power programme, global nuclear trends, international experiences, legal and regulatory frameworks, safety culture, public engagement and increasing local participation in the sector.

The BAEC and the Ministry of Science and Technology organised the event with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam attended as chief guest, while Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain chaired the programme.

Speaking at the event, the minister said Bangladesh's energy demand is rising with economic growth and industrial development, making reliable, affordable and sustainable energy essential.

"In this context, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant stands as a landmark milestone," he said. "As energy demand is increasing continuously due to the country's rapid economic growth and industrial development, the RNPP will play a significant role by supplying affordable energy."

The minister said 300MW of electricity from the first unit of the RNPP is expected to be connected to the national grid by the end of August after completion of necessary tests. He added that nuclear fuel loading for the second unit is expected to be completed in April 2027.

Faqir said public trust is one of the main foundations of a successful nuclear programme.

"Continuous involvement, open communication and responsible leadership are required to inform the public about the importance of nuclear energy, safety measures and risk management," he said.

BAEC Chairman M Moinul Islam presented a paper on nuclear energy, while Mehmet Ceyhan, IAEA representative and technical lead of the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, also addressed the event.

Pabna-4 lawmaker Abu Saleh Mondal, Pabna-2 lawmaker Selim Reza Habib, Pabna district BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, along with senior officials, scientists, researchers, industry representatives, armed forces personnel and media professionals, attended the roundtable.