Vienna: Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's firm commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear science, maintaining the highest standards of safety and strengthening international cooperation. He made the remarks while representing Bangladesh at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister expressed gratitude to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his role in expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and promoting international cooperation. Anam highlighted that Bangladesh has benefited from the IAEA's Technical Cooperation Programme for more than five decades in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, food, water management, industry, and energy.
He mentioned that Bangladesh has recently signed the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026-2032, which is expected to create new opportunities for technical cooperation in the coming years. He referred to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a historic milestone for Bangladesh's energy security, noting that the fuel loading of Unit-1 marked significant progress towards carbon-free electricity generation.
Anam emphasized that the project will help meet the country's growing electricity demand while creating new opportunities to strengthen energy security and address climate change. Highlighting Bangladesh's strong commitment to nuclear safety, he noted that the country's inclusion as the first in South Asia in the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management reflects its dedication to implementing a safe and responsible nuclear programme.
He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to ensuring nuclear safety and security and responsible management in line with international standards. Emphasizing the importance of bringing the benefits of science and technology to the people, Anam stated that the application of nuclear technology should not be limited to technological advancement alone.
He particularly stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation under the IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative to expand access to cancer treatment. Bangladesh is committed to using the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology as key instruments for sustainable development and public welfare, aiming to build a safe and prosperous nation for future generations.