Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Nothing to be worried about nuke plant's security

On the photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Yury Ivanovich Borisov at a press conference after the First Concrete Pouring of Rooppur Power Plant Focus Bangla

She mentioned that the government has given utmost importance to security of the nuclear power plant

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said there is nothing to be concerned about the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, as modern technology is being used to ensure its safety.

She made the statement at a program organized to mark the First Concrete Pouring into the Second Unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna on Saturday.

While addressing the program, Sheikh Hasina said: "Atomic energy regulatory bodies of Russia and India are providing training to our people and scientists, and this will continue....there is nothing to be afraid of."

She said a vested quarter creates fear and tension among the people whenever the government implements any project.

"Let me ensure you about the nuclear power plant, there is nothing to be worry," she added.

The prime minister also mentioned that the government has given utmost importance to security of the nuclear power plant, reports the UNB.

She said there will be a separate security unit which will take support from army, police and other law enforcing agencies.

The prime minister said: "We are ensuring the security through well-thought out plans so that there could be no problem."

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the government is strictly following IAEA safety standards and other relevant guidelines as well as international good practices in building the Rooppur Power Plant.

"The plant is being made with G3+Russian reactor which contains the latest technologies for safety measures and radiation control system. Highest measures are being taken to avoid any sort of risk for the people," she said.

She also said Russia will take the responsibility for the nuclear wastage management. "Nobody needs to be anxious about it."

The prime minister said construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is a long-cherished dream of Bangladesh that was sown in 1961 in the then Pakistan era.

At that time, several physical works, including land acquisition, were completed.

"But the Pakistan government abruptly stopped the work and shifted the plant to West Pakistan," she said.

After the independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman undertook an initiative to construct the Rooppur plant, she recalled adding that Bangabandhu ordered to establish contact with the nuclear power plant construction firms.

As per his directive, Sheikh Hasina said the work started but the entire process was abandoned after his brutal assassination in 1975.

"No government took initiative until 1996 when Awami League government revived the project for its implementation. We included the nuclear power generation program in our energy policy of 1996," she said.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA) overlooks the issues relating to nuclear energy.

"We have sought its cooperation for commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. A time-bound plan has also been worked out with the help of IAEA. But before completion of the entire process, our 1996 to 2001 tenure ended," she said.

The prime minister said the BNP-Jamaat government stopped implementation of many people-centric programs, including the power plant project, after coming to power in 2001.

"Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was a dream project of Bangabandhu. After assuming office in 2009, we again took up the project and Russian Federation came forward to help us in its implementation. I convey my gratitude to the Russian government and its people for extending the support," she said.

She hoped that the nuke plant will play an important role in Bangladesh's journey towards being a middle-income country.

Chaired by Science and Technology Minister Architect Yafes Osman, the program was addressed, among others, by Deputy Prime Minister of Russian Federation Yury Ivanovich Borisov.