Dhaka-Washington ties gain nuclear dimension
Bangladesh and the United States have expanded their strategic partnership beyond conventional energy cooperation, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on civil nuclear technology that opens new avenues for scientific collaboration and long-term energy security.
The agreement, signed in New York on September 25 on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, establishes a framework for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, nuclear science and related technologies.
The development adds a new dimension to Dhaka-Washington relations, building on a broader energy cooperation agreement signed in May and reflecting Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and strengthen its technological capacity.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Science and Technology Rehan Asad signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, while US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg signed for Washington, according to a verified Facebook post by the BNP Media Cell.
The agreement comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand its long-term energy options and develop greater expertise in nuclear science and technology.
Both countries have recognised the strategic importance of their diplomatic relationship, including its implications for regional and international security and energy security.
Under the MoU, the two sides have acknowledged the potential role of nuclear energy in meeting their respective energy requirements.
They have also agreed that civil nuclear cooperation must adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation.
The agreement notes that both countries have safeguards agreements and additional protocols in force with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Bangladesh and the US are also parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which was opened for signature on July 1, 1968.
Months of diplomatic engagement
The signing follows several months of discussions between Dhaka and Washington on expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
During US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor’s visit to Bangladesh, Washington proposed a draft MoU on civil nuclear cooperation.
On August 3, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka viewed the US proposal positively, while stressing that any engagement with Washington would be considered in line with Bangladesh’s national interests.
The latest agreement also builds on the broader energy partnership established in May, when the two countries signed an MoU on strategic cooperation in the energy sector.
That agreement aimed to strengthen Bangladesh’s long-term energy security through diversified sources of energy.
The new understanding is more specifically focused on civilian nuclear technology, peaceful nuclear energy and related scientific cooperation, rather than general energy trade.
The BNP Media Cell said, “The agreement will further strengthen the opportunities for mutual cooperation between the two countries in a peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science and technology, and related fields.”
It added: “In 1981, during the reign of late President Ziaur Rahman, an initiative was taken to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
In continuation of that, the agreement was signed between Bangladesh and the United States today.”
Rooppur remains central
Bangladesh already has an established nuclear power programme, with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna serving as the country’s first nuclear electricity project.
Developed with Russian technical assistance, the plant comprises two VVER-1200 reactor units designed to generate a combined 2,400 megawatts of electricity.
The agreement with Washington comes as work continues at Rooppur and Bangladesh prepares for the arrival of nuclear fuel for the plant’s second unit.
The scheduled shipment of uranium fuel for Unit 2 has been delayed after the required airspace was reportedly unavailable.
Sheikh Mohammed Tauhidul Islam, a joint secretary at the Ministry of Science and Technology, said preparations had been completed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
However, the shipment could not proceed after Rosatom’s liaison officer informed Bangladeshi authorities that the relevant airspace was not open. The shipment is expected to be rescheduled.
The first fresh fuel shipment for Rooppur Unit 1 arrived in Bangladesh from Russia in October 2023. It was subsequently transported to the plant under security arrangements and IAEA safeguards.
For Bangladesh, the new agreement with Washington comes as nuclear power assumes a growing role in its long-term energy strategy.
While cooperation with Russia remains central to Rooppur’s construction and fuel supply, the US understanding provides a separate framework for broader civilian nuclear technology, safety, safeguards and scientific collaboration.
The two agreements, therefore, represent distinct but complementary strands of Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen energy security, diversify international partnerships and expand its technological capabilities.
