UNB, Dhaka :
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Wednesday said Bangladesh is taking bold step towards nuclear power generation, which must be matched with absolutely foolproof capacity to deliver.
“As a nation, we’re indeed taking a bold step towards nuclear power generation. Let me reiterate that this bold decision must be matched with absolutely foolproof capacity to deliver on this mandate,” he said.
The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a two-day seminar, titled ‘Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Nonproliferation’, in a city hotel.
Mahmood Ali said Bangladesh’s pursuit of nuclear energy generation will be part of its broader energy security agenda, where Bangladesh shall continue to search for other viable energy sources with added urgency.
“We’ll also continue to work towards attaining a lead in the use of renewable energy from solar, wind and organic resources,” he said.
In this context, the Foreignj Minister said Bangladesh shall continue to vigorously pursue sub-regional cooperation to tap the vast energy generation potentials available in some of the neighbouring countries.
Foreign Affairs and Science & Technology Ministries jointly organised the seminar with the assistance of the government of Japan.
State Minister for Science and Technology architect Yeafesh Osman and Foreign secretary Shahidul Haque were also present.
The seminar focused on nuclear safety and security in light of Japan’s experience on the aftermath of the radiation leak from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2012.
During her recent visit to Japan from 26-29 May 2014, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Japan’s cooperation for capacity building in nuclear safety and security in Bangladesh.
As a first step in that direction, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the holding of the seminar in Dhaka.
