Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam on Wednesday said nuclear security is not merely a technical concern but is directly linked to national and international security responsibilities.
He made the remarks while delivering a special lecture at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Mirpur Cantonment as a guest speaker.
Addressing teachers and students of the Department of Nuclear Security and Engineering, he spoke on the topic “Nuclear Security: National Responsibility Under International Commitment and Its Implications on National Security.”
In his speech, the adviser described nuclear security as a strategic dimension of national security and highlighted global concerns, Bangladesh’s international obligations, and the country’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
He also outlined the role of the Bangladesh Army in ensuring security at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, alongside existing and emerging challenges in the nuclear security landscape.
“Nuclear security is not merely a technical issue; it is directly linked to national security, international commitments and state responsibility,” he said.
He noted that protection of nuclear facilities, materials and related infrastructure is now a matter of global security, regional stability and international confidence rather than the internal concern of a single country.
He also pointed to terrorism, cyber threats, technological risks, insider vulnerabilities and emergency response capacity as key challenges in the sector.
On Bangladesh’s position, he said the country remains committed to international standards, safety culture, responsible management and compliance with relevant obligations in nuclear technology use.
He added that effective nuclear security requires coordinated policy, trained manpower, technological capacity, strong regulatory systems and inter-agency coordination.
Referring to the Rooppur plant, he said the Bangladesh Army plays a significant role in securing strategically important installations through preparedness, vigilance and coordinated planning with relevant agencies.
He stressed that nuclear security has become part of a multidimensional framework involving physical protection, cybersecurity, insider threat prevention, emergency response and data-driven decision-making.
He also called for strengthening research, training, policy preparedness and international cooperation in the sector.
Following the lecture, he responded to questions from teachers and students on practical and policy-related aspects of nuclear security.
MIST Commandant Major General Md Hakimuzzaman thanked the adviser for attending the program and providing guidance to faculty and students.
During his visit, the adviser also toured robotics and drone projects developed by MIST students, praising their innovation, technical skills and research orientation.
The program concluded with a photo session with teachers and students.
