During the three-day Dhaka visit of U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor, the United States proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh on civil nuclear cooperation.

The matter was discussed during bilateral meetings as part of broader efforts to strengthen mutual ties.

Sergio Gor put forward the civil nuclear cooperation MoU proposal during his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. The subject was also raised during the Special Envoy's courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not disclose detailed particulars of the proposed MoU, a relevant source described the initiative as "not entirely new."

The source noted that Dhaka and Washington had signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement back in 1981, which was subsequently renewed in 1991.

When asked about the necessity for a new MoU, the source explained that the term of the previously renewed agreement expired long ago. The proposed framework will establish a fresh legal foundation to continue bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear sector.

The source further indicated that while the scope of cooperation could be broad, its application will be strictly limited to peaceful, civilian uses.

According to U.S. Department of State data, civil nuclear cooperation agreements provide partner nations with a legal framework to engage in the peaceful utilization of nuclear technology.

Under such agreements, partner countries can exchange nuclear materials, equipment, reactors, and technical data for power generation, scientific research, and other peaceful purposes.

However, adhering to stringent non-proliferation safeguard conditions is mandatory in these arrangements.

In the United States, agreements of this nature are commonly known as "123 Agreements," named after Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act.