Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman has stated that Bangladesh’s peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States will not have any negative impact on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
He made the statement on Tuesday in response to questions from journalists at a press briefing organised to review the progress of various government activities, held at the conference centre of the Press Information Department at the Secretariat.
When asked specifically whether the new nuclear agreement with the US would affect the Rooppur nuclear facility, Zahed replied, “I do not think it will.”
Elaborating on the country’s energy policy, the Information Adviser noted that Bangladesh has only recently entered the era of nuclear power. He emphasised that keeping in view the nation’s future energy scenario, it is necessary to keep various nuclear energy options open.
He added that the prospect of whether Bangladesh will establish more nuclear power plants in the future is not something to be ruled out at present.
Zahed explained that nuclear power projects involve much more than constructing a plant; they require a comprehensive approach encompassing fuel supply, as well as training engineers and relevant personnel.
Depending on national requirements, Bangladesh may enter into agreements and bilateral cooperation with different countries across these areas.
Reaffirming the country’s balanced diplomatic stance, the adviser highlighted that Bangladesh maintains international relationships strictly in accordance with its national interest. Zahed pointed out that despite existing tensions between the US and Russia, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister held a meeting with the Russian foreign minister.
He stated that Bangladesh will maintain communication and engagement with whichever nation is required – including China, India, Russia, and Turkey.
“Bangladesh will maintain its engagement with China, India, Russia, Turkey, or wherever necessary in its own interest. I do not think there will be any issue regarding this,” Zahed added.
Meanwhile, when asked about reported complications regarding the use of Pakistan’s airspace for the delivery of uranium from Russia for the second unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the information adviser stated that he had no information on the matter.
