Ministery of Science and Technology (MoST) Secretary, Md Anwar Hossain, has described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a historic milestone in the country’s efforts to ensure energy security, saying the project is a timely and pioneering initiative for Bangladesh.
He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Basic Professional Training Course (BPTC), organised by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA).
Hossain said the training programme was being implemented in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), BAERA, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and relevant ministries, in accordance with international standards.
The secretary noted that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant had successfully achieved first criticality on 11 October 2026 and was expected to contribute to meeting the country’s electricity demand through its connection to the national grid in the near future.
He stressed the importance of equipping young Bangladeshi scientists and engineers with internationally recognised expertise and practical experience.
Nuclear power, he said, was not solely about electricity generation. Effective operation, regulation and a strong safety culture were equally important. He called for the highest standards of safety to be established at both institutional and operational levels, emphasising that technology alone could not guarantee safety without adequately trained and safety-conscious personnel.
Addressing the trainees, Mr Hossain urged them to make full use of the knowledge and experience of IAEA experts and to develop their professional skills without hesitation. He expressed hope that the programme would strengthen Bangladesh’s nuclear-sector capabilities and contribute to a sustainable future.
Highlighting the achievements of Bangladeshi scientists on the international stage, he said officials should strengthen their expertise and take the necessary initiatives to secure Bangladesh’s rightful place and participation in international forums, including the IAEA.
The secretary also set a target for BAERA to develop three to five internationally qualified nuclear regulators annually over the next three to five years. These professionals, he said, should be capable of contributing not only to Bangladesh’s domestic nuclear programme but also to international nuclear power plants and research organisations.
He identified three priorities for strengthening the regulatory institution: fostering a strong safety culture in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, developing human resources and professional skills, and applying knowledge gained through training to improve service delivery and operational performance.
Mr Hossain formally inaugurated the training course and wished the participants every success.
Training to strengthen nuclear safety and technical expertise
Speaking as a special guest, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Moinul Islam said training was a continuous process that enhanced professional competence, knowledge and confidence.
He noted that the training course, developed by the IAEA in 1998, was designed to strengthen the technical and technological capabilities required at every stage of nuclear power plant safety and operation.
The programme covers key areas including nuclear physics, radiation protection, nuclear reactor design, the nuclear fuel cycle, waste management and safety assessment.
Dr Islam expressed confidence that participants would apply the knowledge gained through the course to help develop a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear energy programme in Bangladesh.
Presiding over the ceremony, BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan welcomed the IAEA representatives and expressed his gratitude to the international agency for its support in human resource development.
Mr Hasan said that, as Bangladesh continued to advance its peaceful nuclear energy programme and expand the use of nuclear technology across different sectors, effective preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies must remain a national priority.
Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Abul Khayer Md Akkas Ali also addressed the event as a special guest. IAEA Technical Officer Rahila Hammad delivered remarks as an invited guest.
Four-week international training programme
The four-week course will be delivered by four visiting IAEA officials and experts, alongside Bangladeshi scientists and specialists. The international trainers include Technical Officer Rahila Hammad, IAEA Officer Benoit Gabriel, and IAEA experts Mehmet Tombakoglu and Baris Gurnar.
A total of 40 early-career scientists and engineers from BAERA, BAEC and the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) are participating in the programme. Senior officials from the relevant institutions also attended the inaugural ceremony.
The Basic Professional Training Course began on 18 October and is scheduled to run until 12 November 2026.