SS Report
Dhaka, July 14, 2025
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a roundtable discussion titled “Bangladesh in the Nuclear Age: Policies, Challenges and Prospects” on Monday at the BIISS auditorium.
Professor Dr. M Tamim, Vice Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), graced the event as the guest of honour. Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Ijaz Hossain, former Dean of Engineering at BUET, moderated the panel discussion. Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, delivered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks.
Setting the stage for the event, BIISS Research Fellow Lam-ya Mostaque presented an overview of Bangladesh’s nuclear ambitions and challenges.
The panel featured key experts, including Dr. Md Shafiqul Islam of the University of Dhaka, Mr. Mahmud Hossain of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Brigadier General Akhter Shahid (Retd), and Dr. Md Zahedul Hassan of the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL).
Speakers highlighted that Bangladesh, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), the country’s first such project, is on track to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by the end of 2025, following a successful containment test in June.
They emphasized the importance of nuclear safety, waste management, and public awareness—especially in a densely populated country like Bangladesh.
The event brought together senior officials from ministries, military, diplomats, researchers, media, and students, who actively engaged in the open discussion and contributed valuable insights on policy, security, and public engagement in the nuclear energy sector.
Source: BIISS
