Bangladesh to sign n-power pact with Russia
By IANSFriday, May 14, 2010
DHAKA - Bangladesh will sign an agreement with Russia on peaceful use of nuclear technology, including the setting up of a nuclear power plant, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has said.
“On May 21, Yeafesh Osman (state minister for science and information and communication technology) will sign with Russia a framework agreement on peaceful use of nuclear technology,” she told reporters here. This will end a 50-year-old quest.
A nuclear power plant under the pact will help deal with the power crisis in the long run, she said.
The foreign minister said as part of the agreement, the two countries would forge other deals necessary for setting up the proposed Rooppur nuclear plant in Pabna district. Several attempts have been made since 1961 to set up the Rooppur nuclear power plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has agreed to provide Bangladesh with technical assistance, including the site safety standard, officials told New Age newspaper.
On May 13 last year, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Dhaka agreeing to enhance cooperation for peaceful use of nuclear energy.
According to power ministry, Bangladesh produces up to 4,000MW of electricity everyday against a minimum daily demand for 6,000MW.
