US-Bangladesh Nuclear Deal Won’t Affect Rooppur Plant: Adviser

The recent civil nuclear cooperation agreement between Bangladesh and the United States will not affect the operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said.

Speaking at a weekly government development briefing at the Secretariat, Zahed said Bangladesh could pursue nuclear energy cooperation with multiple countries to meet its future electricity needs, including nuclear fuel supplies, technical expertise and workforce training.

On the attack, vandalism and looting at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, the adviser said the government was embarrassed by the incident and that those responsible would face legal action following a police investigation.

Regarding allegations of extortion involving the ruling BNP, Zahed said the government would act based on investigations into specific complaints rather than engage in counter-narratives.

Addressing reports that France had connected Bangladesh’s proposed Airbus purchase with export opportunities and trade support during the country’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, he said any decision to purchase Airbus aircraft would be based solely on Bangladesh’s national interests and requirements.

On the country’s law-and-order situation, Zahed said Bangladesh had moved beyond a state of anarchy, although conditions had worsened in some areas. He added that some types of crime had declined and action was being taken against law-enforcement personnel found negligent.

Asked about Indian media reports claiming that Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Bangladesh earlier this month, Zahed said the government had no information regarding such a visit.