Bangladesh has sought support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to expedite the process of bringing electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant into the national grid.
The issue was discussed at a meeting between IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and a Bangladesh delegation led by Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna on Thursday.
The meeting also discussed the peaceful use of nuclear technology, nuclear safety and international cooperation.
Anam expressed gratitude to Grossi for his role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and strengthening international cooperation.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Bangladesh and the IAEA and strengthening the country’s capacity in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology through human resource development.
The science minister said Bangladesh has benefited from the IAEA’s technical cooperation program for more than five decades in sectors including health, agriculture, food, water management, industry and energy.
He said Bangladesh recently signed the Country Program Framework (CPF) for 2026–2032, creating new opportunities for technical cooperation in the coming years.
Referring to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a milestone in Bangladesh’s energy security, Anam said the country had made significant progress toward carbon-free electricity generation through fuel loading in Unit 1.
He said the development had opened opportunities to meet growing electricity demand, ensure energy security and address climate change.
Anam said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining 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 its commitment to implementing a safe and responsible nuclear program.
Anam also expressed gratitude to Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat leadership for their efforts to advance the “Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All” initiative.
He said Bangladesh joined the initiative in 2025 and has been working with the IAEA to translate the partnership into programs at the national level.
One of the key priorities is establishing an integrated, one-stop cancer care center to facilitate more coordinated, accessible and patient-centered healthcare services.
Anam said IAEA technical cooperation is important for strengthening capacity, facilitating knowledge exchange and developing a sustainable cancer care system. He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation under the “Rays of Hope” initiative to expand access to cancer treatment in Bangladesh.
Anam said Bangladesh is looking forward to the IAEA–WHO–IMPACT Review Mission, scheduled for November 2026.
He said the mission would provide an opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of Bangladesh’s national cancer control capacity and help identify practical priorities in various areas of cancer care.
Emphasizing the importance of bringing the benefits of science and technology to the people, Anam said the application of nuclear technology should contribute not only to technological advancement but also to improving quality of life, enhancing climate resilience, increasing agricultural and food productivity, and expanding healthcare services.
He also said creating opportunities for young researchers and scientists, promoting research and innovation, and enhancing knowledge and technological capacity through international cooperation are among Bangladesh’s priorities.
Anam called on the IAEA director general to expand opportunities for international education, training, fellowships and joint research for students, scientists and researchers.
The science and technology minister said the government aims to establish a more integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer care system in Bangladesh so that the benefits of nuclear science and technology can reach those who need them most.
He expressed his commitment to working with the IAEA and its partners to implement the commitments of the “Rays of Hope” initiative.
Anam also called for further international cooperation through the IAEA in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, strengthening nuclear safety and advancing sustainable development.
Among those present at the meeting were Md Anowar Hossain, secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology; Tofique Hasan, ambassador and permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna; Dr M Moinul Islam, chairman, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission; and Sheikh Mohammad Towhidul Islam, joint secretary of the science ministry.