Staff Correspondent

Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has stated that the government will take necessary initiatives to establish nuclear science and technology as one of the vital foundations for modern Bangladesh's development.

Speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting titled "Formulating Action Plans to Enrich the Institutional and Applied Capabilities of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission," organized by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists Association (BAESA) at Dr. Anwar Hossain Auditorium of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) in Agargaon on Sunday, the minister highlighted the vast potential of the commission's skilled scientists and PhD researchers.

"Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has a large number of skilled scientists and PhD-holding researchers. We must properly utilize their talent and research-based knowledge to play a more effective role in national development," Minister Anam said, adding that the grievances and challenges faced by scientists and researchers will be reviewed and addressed on a priority basis.

Emphasizing that nuclear technology extends far beyond power generation, the minister noted its extensive potential across food security, agriculture, healthcare, cancer treatment, industry, and human resource development.

Addressing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project, Minister Anam assured that fuel loading has been completed, with engineers working diligently. He emphasized that the facility will be launched only after rigorous testing and technical procedures are finalized to guarantee absolute safety and international standards, without rushing decisions.

The event was addressed by Prime's Minister's Advisor for Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad as a special guest, who underscored the immense scope for expanding nuclear medicine and diagnostic services across the country to bring benefits closer to ordinary citizens.

Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain also spoke as a special guest, stressing the need to optimize the commission's existing capabilities.

The meeting was presided over by Dr. A.S.M. Saifullah, Director of AERE and President of BAESA, who presented the keynote paper. Welcome remarks were delivered by BAESA General Secretary and AERE Director Dr. Md. Golam Rasul.

The event featured addresses by BAEC Chairman Dr. M. Moinul Islam, BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan, former BAEC chairmen Dr. Sarwar Hossain and Engineer Md. Ali Zulkarnain, BAEC Planning Member Md. Hasinur Rahman, and former BAEC Director Dr. Faria Nasrin, among others. During the program, Minister Anam unveiled "Anwesha," the scientific publication and organ of BAESA, and project directors, commission directors, and distinguished scientists from across the sector were in attendance.