Fuel loading completed at Rooppur, engineers examining minor issues: Faqir Mahbub
He says nuclear science and technology would be one of the key pillars of Bangladesh's future development and stressed the need to make better use of the country's scientific expertise.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam yesterday (16 August) said fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been completed, while engineers are now examining minor issues before the project's commissioning.
He said the government would not rush any decision regarding the country's first nuclear power plant and would ensure that all necessary tests, technical activities, safety requirements and international standards are fully met before it begins operations.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled "Determining Ways to Strengthen the Institutional and Practical Capacity of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC)" at the commission's headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
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He said nuclear science and technology would be one of the key pillars of Bangladesh's future development and stressed the need to make better use of the country's scientific expertise.
According to the minister, the BAEC has a large number of skilled scientists and researchers whose knowledge should be used more effectively to support national development. He also said the government would review the challenges faced by scientists and researchers and address them on a priority basis.
Mahbub said nuclear technology has applications beyond electricity generation, including agriculture, food security, healthcare, cancer treatment, industry and human resource development.
Referring to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), he said Bangladesh is seriously considering the technology's potential. However, any future decision would depend on a thorough assessment of its safety, technological capacity and economic viability.
He also urged journalists to publish responsible and fact-based reports on nuclear projects, saying information should be verified with scientists and experts before publication.
The minister said the government is working to build a knowledge-based and technology-driven Bangladesh by integrating nuclear science with digital technology, artificial intelligence and modern research.
He added that the government is also exploring ways to support young scientists and researchers through the Fund for Funds initiative.
Speaking as a special guest, Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the prime minister on posts, telecommunications, information technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighted the growing importance of nuclear medicine and called for expanding nuclear technology-based healthcare services across the country.
He said the future of nuclear science in Bangladesh would depend on skilled human resources, research, technological innovation and strong institutional capacity.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain also emphasised the need to maximise the existing expertise and technological capabilities of the BAEC to expand research, innovation and public services.
