Dhaka Times Report. Atomic Energy Commission Bill 2012 has been passed in the National Parliament. As a result, it is expected that the work of Rooppur nuclear power project will be accelerated.
Parliament representative said, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Control Bill-2012 was passed on May 31 in the National Parliament, covering the filing of foreign operators related to nuclear accidents. State Minister for Science and Technology Yafes Osman proposed the passage of the bill. Later it was passed by voice vote. Earlier, the proposal to send the amendments to the bill, public opinion verification and selection committee was rejected. The bill provides for jail terms and fines for equipment theft and espionage.
It should be noted that the bill was raised in the Parliament on May 27. Later it was sent to the Parliamentary Committee to examine and report to the Parliament. On May 30, the respective parliamentary committee submitted a report on the bill to Parliament. Regarding the purpose and reasons of the bill, the state minister said that the introduction of the Atomic Energy Control Act will pave the way for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Bangladesh. According to the agreement with Russia, the construction of nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Pabna will be accelerated.
Meanwhile, Independent Member of Parliament Fazlul Azim walked out of the session as he was given less time to discuss the bill. The bill provides for 36 functions of the authority. Section 66 of the bill states that, with the permission of the government, the authority can enter into cooperation agreements with national, international, regional and foreign organizations or institutions or agencies in nuclear safety and radiation protection. In Section 53 of the Bill, a person who has received approval under this Act will be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of one year and a maximum of seven years or a fine of not less than 10 lakh to 50 lakh taka or both if he violates the restrictions. Any person who deliberately attacks or conducts acts of sabotage at a nuclear facility shall be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment. Or will be punished with a fine from a minimum of 30 lakhs to a maximum of 50 lakhs.
It should be noted that the present government has taken up the work of Rooppur nuclear power project on the bank of Padma in Ishwardi, Pabna. It will currently generate 1,000 MW of electricity. An agreement has also been made with Russia in this regard.
Bangladesh-Russia MoU signed
Two MoUs have been signed between Bangladesh and Russia for the construction of nuclear power plants in Bangladesh. Yafes Osman, Minister of State for Science and Technology, who is visiting Russia, and Sergei Kirinko, Director General of the State Energy Corporation of Russia, signed the MoU on Monday. Under this MoU, both the countries will jointly work on the development of nuclear power plants and the establishment of an information center. In one of the MoUs signed, both countries will work jointly on the basis of cooperation in all aspects of construction of nuclear power plants in Bangladesh. In particular, Russia will provide support in all necessary fields including human resource development, technical, operational, administrative, training in the nuclear project. Russia will establish a data center in Bangladesh through another MoU. It has been said to build this information center this year. Through this information center, initiatives will be taken to increase awareness about nuclear power plants among all people including the young society of Bangladesh.
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