Bangladesh, US sign civil nuclear pact to deepen peaceful energy ties

Bangladesh and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic civil nuclear cooperation, in a move aimed at deepening ties in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement comes as Bangladesh looks to expand and diversify its long-term energy sources.

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 BNP's media cell.

Bangladesh is developing its first nuclear power plant at Rooppur and has also been pursuing international cooperation in nuclear science and technology. The latest agreement is focused specifically on civil nuclear cooperation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Under the MoU, the two sides recognised the strategic significance of their diplomatic relationship and its regional and international security implications, including energy security, local media reported. They also noted the role nuclear energy can play in meeting the energy requirements of both countries.

The agreement records a shared position that all civil nuclear cooperation should follow the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation, according to The Daily Star newspaper. It also noted that both Bangladesh and the US have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols in force, and that both are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

In May, Bangladesh and the US had signed another MoU on strategic cooperation in the broader energy sector, aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's long-term energy security through diversified energy sourcing. The new agreement builds on that engagement with a specific focus on civil nuclear cooperation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.