Three nuke deals, one MoU on the cards

India and Bangladesh are likely to sign three civilian nuclear deals and one memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to India. “We have already finalised the drafts to sign three civilian nuclear deals and an MoU when the prime minister tours India,” an official of the Science and Technology Ministry told the Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday, requesting anonymity. The first deal is meant for mutual cooperation for peaceful use of nuclear energy between the two countries. The second one is supposed to be inked by Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, an agency of the ministry, and Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership under India’s Department of Atomic Energy on cooperation regarding nuclear power plant project in Bangladesh. The third and last of the deals is aimed to be sealed by the atomic energy regulators of both the countries for exchanging technical information and support in regulation of nuclear safety and radiation protection. Meanwhile, the MoU is actually tripartite in its kind since it engages Russia for a successful implementation of Bangladesh’s first ever nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Pabna with a 2400MW capacity. The deal with the Indian atomic energy agency and regulatory body each is also planned to get technical and intellectual suggestion and support for the nuclear plant project. Russia helped India build a nuclear plant at Kudankulam in its southern region. Hence, the Indian agency and regulator are highly expected to support Bangladesh about the 2400MW plant. The MoU will make India another step closer to help Bangladesh in the much-hyped project, which, however, may not be signed during the prime minister’s four-day trip starting from April 7, some Bangladeshi officials hinted. Russia has already given its green signal about the MoU. According to the draft of the MoU that will be valid for 15 years, the three countries exchanging views and experience will ensure safe operation of the plant and help its staff increase efficiency. The three countries will help ensure proper radioactive waste management, operation, control and maintenance of the plant after it is successfully installed, the draft adds. Aiming at establishing the plant, the three parties, in a written agreement, will agree to supply machinery. Either of the three countries will be allowed to pull out of the project by issuing a six-month prior notice. Before completion of the deal on the plant, the parties will discuss to decide whether the MoU will be  renewed.