A two-day high-level strategic roundtable on nuclear energy was held in Ishwardi, Pabna, to strengthen Bangladesh's long-term nuclear power programme, governance, policy preparedness and national stakeholder engagement.
The discussion, titled "High-Level Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh's Path Forward", was held on 12 June and 13 June 2026 at Swapnadweep Resort in Green City, Ishwardi, says a press release.
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology jointly organised the roundtable with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, attended the programme as the chief guest. Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain chaired the event.
The roundtable discussed the current status and future prospects of Bangladesh's nuclear power programme, global trends in nuclear energy, international experience, legal and regulatory frameworks, nuclear safety culture, public engagement, and strategies to increase local participation in the nuclear sector.
They said policymakers, members of parliament, government officials, business representatives, academics, journalists and other key stakeholders need a clear understanding of nuclear energy-related responsibilities, safety, international obligations, human resource development, public confidence, transparency and geopolitical implications.
Speaking as the chief guest, Fakir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh's energy demand is rising alongside its economic growth.
The minister said Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by loading nuclear fuel at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on 28 April 2026.
He said different tests are now under way and expressed hope that 300MW of electricity would be added to the national grid by the end of August.
He also said nuclear fuel loading for the second unit is expected to be completed in April 2027.
Fakir Mahbub Anam said public trust is one of the main pillars of a successful nuclear programme.
People must understand why nuclear energy is important, how its safety is ensured and how its risks are managed, he said.
He expressed gratitude to the International Atomic Energy Agency for its technical support, expert guidance, capacity-building programmes and commitment to international standards, saying the agency has played a transformative role in advancing Bangladesh's national efforts in the nuclear sector.
He said the platform created a valuable opportunity for policymakers, regulatory bodies, scientists, industrial entrepreneurs, journalists and development partners to exchange ideas, share experiences and prepare the roadmap for the coming days.
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam presented a PowerPoint presentation on nuclear energy at the seminar.
Mehmet Ceyhan, representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Technical Lead of the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, also spoke at the event.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain delivered the chair's remarks.
Pabna-4 lawmaker Abu Saleh Mondal, Pabna-2 lawmaker Advocate Selim Reza Habib, and Pabna district BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, among political and business leaders, also presented their views at the seminar.
Members of parliament, senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology and other ministries and divisions, scientists and senior officials of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, and Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority Chairman Mahmudul Hasan joined the roundtable.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Construction Project Director Dr Kabir Hossain, Nuclear Power Company Bangladesh Limited Managing Director Dr Md Zahedul Hasan, and Nuclear Security and Physical Protection System Cell Chief Coordinator Brigadier General Rowfat also attended.
