Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain has described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a historic milestone on the path to ensuring the country's energy security.

He said the project would play a crucial role in meeting the nation's growing electricity demand and developing young scientists and engineers with international-standard expertise.

He made these remarks as the chief guest on Sunday (October 18) at the inauguration ceremony of a Basic Professional Training Course organized by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA).

The Science and Technology Secretary noted that the first criticality of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was successfully achieved on October 11. He expressed hope that the plant will soon contribute to meeting the country's power demand by supplying electricity to the national grid.

He emphasized that alongside the construction and power generation of a nuclear power plant, ensuring its safe operation, control, and security is of utmost importance.

To this end, a peak safety culture must be developed at both institutional and operational levels.

Safety cannot be ensured by advanced technology alone; personnel involved must be prepared through proper training, skill development, and awareness.

Addressing the trainees, the secretary advised them to leverage the knowledge and experience of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to enhance their professional capabilities. He added that this training would play a vital role in strengthening the capacity of the country's nuclear sector and shaping a safe and sustainable future.

Praising the expertise of Bangladeshi scientists at the international level, he stressed the need to build the capabilities of relevant officials and take necessary initiatives to secure Bangladesh's fair position and partnership in international forums, including the IAEA.

Speaking as a special guest at the event, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) Chairman Dr. Moinul Islam expressed confidence that trainees would utilize the knowledge and experience gained from the program to play an effective role in building a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy program in the country.

In his presidential address, BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan welcomed the IAEA representatives and thanked the international organization for its cooperation in human resource development within the country's nuclear sector.

The four-week training program has been organized in line with international standards in collaboration with the IAEA, BAERA, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), and related ministries.

Four IAEA officials and experts—Rahila Hammad, Benoit Gabriel, Mehmet Tombakoglu, and Baris Gurnar—alongside local scientists and experts, will serve as instructors for the program.

A total of 40 trainees, including junior scientists and engineers from BAERA, BAEC, and the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), are participating in the course. Senior officials from relevant departments were also present at the event.

The Basic Professional Training Course, which commenced on Sunday, will continue until November 12.