Bangladesh Enters New Nuclear Energy Era with US Deal

Bangladesh and the United States have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and civilian nuclear technology. The agreement was signed in New York on Friday (September 25). Bangladesh’s Adviser to the Prime Minister for Science and Technology, Rehan Asad, and US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment Jacob Helberg signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, nuclear safety and security, international safeguards, and nuclear non-proliferation. Both countries agreed to follow the highest safety and security standards in civilian nuclear cooperation. Bangladesh and the US also recognized the potential role of nuclear energy in meeting their energy needs.

The agreement highlights the strategic importance of bilateral relations and the link between energy security and regional and international security. Bangladesh is diversifying its energy sources to ensure long-term energy security. The country’s first nuclear power plant at Rooppur is being built with two 1,200-megawatt units. Dhaka also seeks to expand international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.

The MoU is not a direct agreement to build a nuclear power plant or supply nuclear fuel. It provides a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation. Under US rules, a formal “123 Agreement” can create a legal framework for transferring nuclear materials, fuel, reactors and equipment, but the MoU itself does not authorize such transfers.

The Rooppur project uses Russian technology. The new US agreement creates a separate basis for future cooperation in nuclear safety, technology, training and other civilian nuclear programmes. Its practical impact will depend on the programmes Bangladesh and the US develop in the future.