Bangladesh seeks IAEA support to expedite Rooppur power supply to national grid
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam MP has sought IAEA cooperation to expedite the supply of electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to Bangladesh's national grid.
He requested a bilateral meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the agency's headquarters in Vienna on Thursday, 17 September, according to a press release.
The minister led the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting, which also covered expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, strengthening nuclear safety and enhancing international cooperation.
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Anam thanked Grossi for his role in promoting peaceful applications of nuclear technology and strengthening cooperation among countries.
The discussions focused on deepening Bangladesh–IAEA cooperation and strengthening the country's capacity in nuclear science and technology through human resource development.
The minister said Bangladesh had benefited from the IAEA's technical cooperation programme for more than five decades in sectors including health, agriculture, food, water management, industry and energy.
He noted that Bangladesh had recently signed the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026–2032, which would create further opportunities for technical cooperation.
Describing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a historic milestone in Bangladesh's energy security, Anam said fuel loading in Unit 1 marked major progress towards carbon-free electricity generation.
He said the development had opened up opportunities to meet growing electricity demand, strengthen energy security and address climate change.
Bangladesh remained committed to maintaining the highest international standards in nuclear safety, security and responsible management, he added.
The minister said 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 South Asian country to join, reflected its commitment to a safe and responsible nuclear programme.
Anam also thanked Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat's leadership for advancing the "Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All" initiative.
He said Bangladesh joined the initiative in 2025 and was working closely with the agency to turn the partnership into effective national programmes.
Establishing an integrated, one-stop cancer care centre was a key priority, he said, adding that it would support more coordinated, accessible and patient-centred healthcare services.
The minister highlighted the importance of IAEA technical cooperation in capacity building, knowledge exchange and developing a sustainable cancer care system. He called for stronger cooperation under the Rays of Hope initiative to expand access to cancer treatment in Bangladesh.
Anam said Bangladesh looked forward to the IAEA–WHO–IMPACT Review Mission scheduled for November 2026.
The mission would provide an opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of national cancer control capacity and help identify practical priorities across different areas of cancer care, he said.
Emphasising the need to bring the benefits of science and technology to people, the minister said nuclear applications should improve quality of life, strengthen climate resilience, increase agricultural and food productivity, and expand healthcare services.
He said creating opportunities for young researchers and scientists, supporting research and innovation, and building knowledge and technological capacity through international cooperation were among Bangladesh's priorities.
He urged the IAEA director general to expand opportunities for international education, training, fellowships and joint research for students, scientists and researchers.
Anam said the government aimed to establish a more integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer care system so that the benefits of nuclear science and technology reached those who needed them most.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to working with the IAEA and its partners to translate the Rays of Hope initiative's commitments into tangible and lasting benefits.
The minister also called for deeper international cooperation through the agency to promote peaceful nuclear applications, strengthen nuclear safety and advance sustainable development.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anowar Hossain; Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Vienna Tofique Hasan; Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam; and Science Ministry Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Towhidul Islam attended the meeting.
