Vienna: Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has sought support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to expedite the supply of electricity from the country's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to the national grid. He made this request during a bilateral meeting between a Bangladesh delegation and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, as mentioned in an official handout.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting, led by the science and technology minister, focused on expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, strengthening nuclear safety and security, and enhancing international cooperation. Mahbub Anam expressed gratitude to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his efforts in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology and fostering international collaboration.
The discussions also covered enhancing mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and the IAEA and strengthening Bangladesh's capacity for the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology through human resource development. The minister highlighted that Bangladesh has benefited from the IAEA's technical cooperation programme for over five decades in key sectors such as health, agriculture, food, water management, industry, and energy.
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. Describing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a historic milestone for Bangladesh's energy security, Mahbub Anam noted that the country has made significant progress towards carbon-free power generation through fuel loading at Unit-1 of the plant.
The minister emphasized Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining the highest international standards in nuclear safety, security, and responsible management. He noted that Bangladesh's accession to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management as the first country in South Asia reflects the country's dedication to implementing a safe and responsible nuclear programme.
During the meeting, Mahbub Anam expressed sincere gratitude to the IAEA Director General and the IAEA Secretariat for their leadership in advancing the 'Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All' initiative. Bangladesh joined the 'Rays of Hope' initiative in 2025 and is working closely with the IAEA to transform the partnership into an effective national-level programme.
The minister stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation under the 'Rays of Hope' initiative to expand access to cancer treatment in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is looking forward to the IAEA-WHO Impact Review Mission scheduled for November 2026, which will provide an important opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of Bangladesh's national cancer control capacity.
Mahbub Anam also emphasized the importance of bringing the benefits of science and technology to people's doorsteps, stating that the use of nuclear technology should contribute to improving living standards, enhancing climate resilience, increasing food and agricultural productivity, and expanding healthcare services.
He urged the IAEA Director General to expand international education, training, fellowship, and joint research opportunities for students, scientists, and researchers, with the goal of building a more integrated, equitable, and sustainable cancer care system in Bangladesh.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain, Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Vienna Toufique Hasan, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam, and Joint Secretary of the Science and Technology Ministry Sheikh Mohammed Tauhidul Islam were also present at the meeting.