Atomic Power Commission bill in Parliament

A bill proposing a new law for the development, use and expansion of the atomic power for peaceful purposes in Bangladesh, in line with international regulations, has been placed before Parliament.

Minister of Science and Technology Yafes Osman presented the ‘Bangladesh Atomic Power Commission Bill-2017’ before Parliament on Sunday.

The bill has been sent to the relevant parliamentary committees for examination. A report is expected within a month.

The new bill seeks to replace the 1973 ‘Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Order’.

According to the bill, the commission will be formed by a chairman and four members with prior experience in the fields of  science and technology. The positions will be appointed by the government.

The commission will aim to develop atomic power and technologies for peaceful use in the food, agriculture, health, medical, environmental and industrial sectors.

“There is increased scope for the use of atomic power in Bangladesh,” said Science and Technology Minister Osman. “The law aims to consolidate and rationalise the laws regarding the development and construction of nuclear power plants and the peaceful use of atomic power in the country in line with international regulations to improve our standard of living.”

The new law will help accelerate the construction of the Rupapur Atomic Power Plant, the minister said.