China seeks deeper nuclear co-op with BD

China is moving to expand its nuclear cooperation with Bangladesh, with a proposed agreement covering nuclear research, safety, technology development and advanced reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs).

The proposed agreement comes shortly after Bangladesh and the United States signed a strategic civil nuclear cooperation MoU in New York on September 25, signalling Dhaka’s efforts to expand its international partnerships in the nuclear sector.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has circulated the draft Chinese agreement among relevant ministries and authorities for their comments, officials familiar with the process said.

The draft, titled the “Memorandum of Understanding between the China Atomic Energy Authority and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Bangladesh on Cooperation in the Sustainable Development of Nuclear Energy", would provide a broad framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation.

One of its notable features is the explicit inclusion of SMRs and new nuclear power technologies. Unlike conventional large reactors, SMRs are designed to generate electricity on a smaller scale and can potentially be deployed in smaller increments. The technology remains under development, with different designs at various stages of regulatory approval, demonstration and commercial deployment.

For Bangladesh, the proposed cooperation could provide an opportunity to study advanced reactor technologies alongside its existing large-scale nuclear power programme.

The proposed Chinese agreement would not replace the Rooppur project. Rather, it could broaden Bangladesh-China cooperation into nuclear research, training, peaceful nuclear applications and emerging technologies.

China and Bangladesh already have a longstanding relationship in the nuclear sector, having signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in 2005.

Under Article 1 of the proposed MoU, the two sides would promote cooperation in nuclear energy and nuclear technology applications in accordance with their respective laws, regulations, international commitments and applicable treaties.

The proposed areas of cooperation include fundamental and applied research in peaceful nuclear applications, engineering, procurement and construction of research reactors, and research and development of new nuclear power technologies, including SMRs.

The draft also covers nuclear safety and security, emergency preparedness and response, radiation protection and radioactive-waste management. It identifies potential cooperation in the use of nuclear technology in agriculture, industry, healthcare and environmental protection.

The two countries would also exchange information and experience on nuclear-energy policies, legislation, regulations and technical standards.

Human-resource development is another major area, with the proposed framework providing for academic programmes, technical training, scientific visits, fellowships and other educational activities. Researchers, scientists and technical experts could participate in joint studies, research programmes and training.

The two sides could also organise conferences, seminars, workshops and other scientific and technical events. Specific projects would be implemented by organisations designated by the two parties, with separate agreements to be signed where necessary.

The structure would allow the MoU to serve as an umbrella framework while leaving commercial, technical and project-specific arrangements to be negotiated separately.

The draft also makes clear that the proposed agreement would be administrative rather than a legally binding international treaty. Article 5 states that it would not create legal rights or legally binding obligations for the participants, with commitments representing efforts by the parties to implement the agreed areas of cooperation.

Financial arrangements would depend on the availability of funds from participating organisations or their designated entities, according to Article 6.

The proposed Chinese framework comes as Bangladesh expands its nuclear cooperation with other international partners. The US agreement places emphasis on peaceful nuclear cooperation, safety and security, safeguards and non-proliferation.

Bangladesh is currently developing its first nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Pabna, comprising two Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 2,400MW. The project represents the country's first major move into commercial nuclear power generation.

The proposed China MoU could therefore widen Bangladesh's nuclear cooperation beyond electricity generation, including research reactors, medical and industrial applications, agricultural research, radiation technologies and environmental management.

It could also support the development of specialists in nuclear engineering, safety, regulation, radiation protection and radioactive-waste management through training, academic exchanges and scientific cooperation.