DEEPEAST NEWS, NEW YORK
Bangladesh and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic civil nuclear cooperation, opening a new framework for collaboration between the two countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The MoU was signed in New York on Friday by Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Adviser for Science and Technology Rehan Asad and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg, according to Bangladesh’s BNP media cell and local media reports.
The agreement recognises the strategic importance of Bangladesh-US relations and the role of nuclear energy in meeting the energy requirements of both countries. It also places emphasis on nuclear safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation as key principles governing civil nuclear cooperation.
Both countries have International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols in force and are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), according to the details reported on the MoU.
The agreement comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand and diversify its long-term energy sources. The country is developing its first nuclear power facility at Rooppur in Pabna, with Russian assistance, and has been pursuing international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.
The new understanding follows a broader Bangladesh-US strategic energy cooperation MoU signed in May. That agreement covered energy resources, infrastructure development and long-term energy security, including areas such as liquefied natural gas, petroleum products and other energy sectors.
Bangladesh had earlier expressed a positive view of a US proposal to revive bilateral cooperation on civil nuclear energy. In August, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said Dhaka would consider such cooperation if it served the interests of the Bangladeshi people.
Bangladesh and the United States had previously established a civil nuclear cooperation framework in 1981, which was renewed in 1991 but was not subsequently extended, according to Bangladeshi officials cited by bdnews24.com. The latest MoU is intended to establish a renewed framework for cooperation focused on peaceful civilian purposes.
The signing also comes as Bangladesh moves forward with its nuclear energy programme. At an IAEA conference earlier this month, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology and adherence to international standards on nuclear safety, security and responsible nuclear management.
The latest agreement is expected to provide a basis for further Bangladesh-US engagement in civilian nuclear technology while keeping cooperation within international safeguards and non-proliferation frameworks.
