Dhaka:Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain emphasized the necessity of effective inter-agency coordination, skilled personnel, and internationally standardized guidelines to enhance emergency preparedness and response at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the remarks were made during a workshop titled 'Stakeholders' Preparatory Workshop for the IAEA Emergency Preparedness and Review Mission to Bangladesh' held at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) auditorium in Agargaon. The workshop was presided over by BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan.
The secretary highlighted Rooppur's advanced Generation III+ safety systems, stating that technological safeguards must be complemented by skilled personnel and coordinated institutional actions. He viewed the upcoming International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) Mission from November 8-18, 2026, as an opportunity to evaluate current preparedness and learn from global best practices.
Hossain underscored the importance of clear guidelines for declaring emergencies, information dissemination, and coordinated on-site and off-site responses. He called for defined written procedures outlining organizational responsibilities, communication protocols, decision-making processes, and necessary actions during emergencies.
He emphasized the collaboration between BAERA, technical organizations, local administrations, police, armed forces, medical teams, and the Department of Environment to ensure rapid emergency responses, including medical services and patient transportation.
The secretary also stressed regular environmental and radiation monitoring around the plant, data preservation and analysis, and information exchange both nationally and internationally. He advocated for comparing monitoring results with baseline measurements to ensure compliance with international standards.
Accurate, science-based information on nuclear power and radiation is crucial to prevent public panic, he noted, urging authorities to communicate clearly and maintain effective information exchanges with the media.
Additional Secretary (Atomic Energy) Abul Khair Md. Akkas Ali and BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan also addressed the workshop. Hasan emphasized the workshop's role in fostering a common understanding of the EPREV Mission, identifying preparedness gaps, and clarifying stakeholders' responsibilities. He expressed optimism about demonstrating Bangladesh's nuclear safety and emergency preparedness capabilities through coordinated efforts during the mission.
The workshop was attended by representatives from relevant agencies, technical experts, local administrations of Pabna and Kushtia, law enforcement agencies, armed forces, medical teams, and the Department of Environment. A booklet marking the upcoming IAEA mission was unveiled at the event.