Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to advancing nuclear technology for maritime applications at the 'Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications of Sea (ATLAS) Ministerial Launch Event 2026' in Washington, D.C. During his address, Anam emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy insecurity, and rising energy demand. He underscored the potential of advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to meet future energy needs sustainably.
Anam noted that the world is grappling with the dual pressures of climate change and energy insecurity, making nuclear energy an increasingly vital component of the global energy mix. He pointed out that SMRs could offer reliable, low-carbon electricity, supporting economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved living standards. The minister stressed the importance of the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy to address climate change, strengthen energy security, and promote sustainable economic development.
Referring to the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, Anam welcomed the recognition of nuclear energy and supported the initiative to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. He highlighted Bangladesh's nuclear power program, noting the significant milestone of the physical start-up of Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which marked the country's integration into the global nuclear energy community.
Despite these advancements, Anam emphasized that Bangladesh remains fully aware of the responsibilities associated with nuclear energy. He reiterated the country's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. The minister called for stronger international cooperation to facilitate the safe and timely deployment of advanced SMR technologies, including floating nuclear power plants, stressing the need for collaboration in technology, policy, regulation, safety, and capacity building.
Describing ATLAS as an important international platform, Anam said the initiative brings together policymakers, scientists, regulators, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to address issues surrounding nuclear technology in maritime applications. He expressed Bangladesh's eagerness to continue cooperating with the IAEA's ATLAS initiative to explore opportunities in the civil nuclear maritime sector while upholding the highest safety, security, and international safeguards standards.
The ATLAS event, attended by high-level officials and experts from around the world, including US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, provided a platform for discussing the future of nuclear technology in maritime applications. Representatives from 19 countries, including the United States, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Norway, Kenya, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, South Korea, China, and Russia, participated in the event and related panel discussions.
For Bangladesh, the event underscores the nation's growing role in the global nuclear energy dialogue. As a densely populated country with limited domestic energy resources, Bangladesh faces the dual challenge of meeting rising energy demand and ensuring energy security while addressing climate change. Diversifying the energy mix and expanding clean energy use are crucial for the country, making nuclear technology a promising avenue for future development.
