DHAKA, April 30, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has reiterated Bangladesh's pledge to non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear science, particularly in energy, food safety, medicine, and health sectors.
 
He also restated Bangladesh's enduring commitment to nuclear disarmament and the safety and security of nuclear materials.

The foreign minister, who is on an official visit to Austria, made this remark during a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Vienna on Monday, a foreign ministry press release said here today.

Hasan ensured the Director General that Bangladesh will maintain the highest level of transparency, safety, and security of its nuclear power plants.

Referring to the national energy vision, the foreign minister mentioned that Bangladesh has contemplated a fair share of nuclear energy in its future energy mix since it is a green and clean source of energy.

He recalled that Bangladesh became a member of the IAEA in 1972 which was one of the earliest memberships of Bangladesh in any international organization.

Mentioning the unmatched success of Bangladesh in becoming self-sufficient in staple food production as well as successes in the pharmaceuticals and health services sectors, the foreign minister thanked the IAEA for its technical support to Bangladesh in nuclear agriculture, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy fields.

Hasan appreciated Grossi's initiatives like 'Atoms4Food' and 'Atoms4NetZero' and assured him of continued support from Bangladesh for these noble initiatives.

IAEA chief Grossi reaffirmed the agency's sustained support to Bangladesh on human-centric development issues leveraging nuclear science and applications.

He also expressed particular interest in working together with Bangladesh under the 'Atom for Food' initiative.

The Director General congratulated Bangladesh for setting up nuclear power plants, which has added an altogether different dimension to Bangladesh's engagement with the IAEA.
He assured of IAEA's continued support for training and capacity building on nuclear safety and safeguard issues.

The foreign minister invited the IAEA chief to visit Bangladesh during the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project and thanked the IAEA for providing necessary support and cooperation in this project.