Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) will serve as a milestone in ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in the country.

“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,” he said while addressing at a high-level roundtable discussion on nuclear energy in Ishwardi, Pabna. 

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Ministry of Science and Technology jointly organized the roundtable titled 'High-Level Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh's Path Forward' from June 12 to 13.

The roundtable was held with assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aimed at strengthening long-term development, good governance, policy preparedness and stakeholder engagement with nuclear power programme.

Speaking as the chief guest the minister said that Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone with loading of nuclear fuel at the first unit of the plant on April 28, which was presided over by secretary of the ministry Md Anwar Hossain.

“After completing various tests, a 300 MW of electricity from the first unit is expected to be connected to the national grid by end of August. In addition, nuclear fuel loading will be completed in the second unit in April 2027,” he said.

The minister said that one of the main foundations of a successful nuclear programme is public trust, adding, “Continuous involvement, open communication and responsible leadership are required to inform the public about the importance of nuclear energy, safety measures and risk management.”

Mahbub expressed his gratitude to the IAEA for its important contribution in technical assistance, expert guidance and capacity building in the development of Bangladesh's nuclear programme.

Participants discussed the current status and future prospects of Bangladesh's nuclear power programme, global nuclear energy trends, legal and regulatory framework, nuclear safety culture, public involvement and strategies to increase domestic participation in the nuclear industry.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam presented a power point on nuclear power.

Mehmet Ceyhan, as the Technical Lead of the IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, spoke at the roundtable.

Lawmakers Abu Taleb Mandal and Advocate Selim Reza Habib and Pabna District BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, along with political, business and professionals spoke at the event.

Officials concerned with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, ministries, departments, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, universities, industries, security forces participated in the roundtable discussion.