Government plans to make nuclear science a development foundation.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said the government will take necessary initiatives to make nuclear science and technology one of the important foundations of development in modern Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has a large number of skilled scientists and PhD researchers, and their talent and research-based knowledge should be properly utilised to play a more effective role in the country's development, he said, adding initiatives would be taken to resolve the problems of the scientists and researchers after reviewing them on a priority basis.
Faqir Mahbub Anam, also Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister, made this remark while addressing as the chief guest a discussion meeting titled "Determining Ways to Strengthen the Institutional and Practical Capacity of BAEC", organised by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists Association (BAESA) at the Dr Anwar Hossain Auditorium of the BAEC at Agargaon in the capital, said a ministry release.
He said nuclear technology is not limited to electricity generation; it has vast potential in food security, agriculture, healthcare, cancer treatment, industry and human resource development. Support will be provided for startups and development of new technologies by encouraging innovative thinking and research among the young generation, he added.
Regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, he said the project will be commissioned after completing necessary tests and technical activities and ensuring safety and international standards. "No decision will be taken in haste on any issue."
On SMR, or Small Modular Reactor, the minister said Bangladesh is seriously considering the potential of the technology. However, future decisions will be taken only after properly assessing its safety, technological capability and economic potential.
He urged science journalists to publish responsible and fact-based reports, saying that before publishing news on important issues like nuclear projects, it is essential to verify information from the concerned scientists and experts.
The minister also said the government is working to build a knowledge-based and technology-driven Bangladesh by integrating nuclear science with digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and modern research under science-, technology- and research-friendly policies.
He further said, "We are thinking about how young scientists and researchers can be supported through the Fund for Funds."
"The government is trying to find a solution to how the shortage of gas and electricity can be met," he said, adding "We are feeling the crisis and we are sincerely trying to find a sustainable solution to the energy issue."
Mentioning that fuel loading has been completed at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, he said Engineers there are working hard, while minor issues are now being examined closely.
In his speech as the special guest, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad highlighted the importance of nuclear medicine and said there is vast scope for further expanding the use of nuclear technology in the medical sector.
Although such services are currently available in different parts of the country, their benefits need to be extended more widely to the general people, he said.
To this end, initiatives should be taken to enhance the necessary capacity and service coverage of the BAEC, he added.
The adviser further said the future capacity of nuclear science and technology in the country will depend on skilled human resources, research, technological innovation and effective institutional capacity.
Therefore, alongside developing the skills of scientists and researchers, expanding necessary training and research opportunities, it is essential to ensure their fair professional opportunities and facilities, he observed.
Addressing the scientists, researchers and officials of the BAEC, he said they have to work in a coordinated manner to utilise the potential of nuclear science and technology for the country's energy security, healthcare, industry and economic development.
At the discussion meeting, Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain stressed maximising the existing talent, expertise and technological capacity of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission to expand the scope of research, innovation and public services.
Dr A S M Saifullah, Director General of the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) and President of BAESA, presented a paper titled "Strengthening the Institutional and Practical Capacity of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission: Current Status, Challenges and Ways Forward" and chaired the programme.
BAEC Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority Mahmudul Hasan, former BAEC Chairman, among others, also spoke at the discussion.
The Minister unveiled the cover of 'Anwesha', the science-based publication and mouthpiece of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists Association (BAESA).
