A stakeholder workshop and emergency response exercise were held at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi, Pabna, to strengthen the preparedness, coordination and response capabilities of national and local agencies in the event of a potential nuclear or radiological emergency.
The workshop and tabletop exercise were organised by Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) on Saturday (August 29) at the PD House in the Green City area of Ishwardi.
Representatives from the Pabna and Kushtia district administrations, police, health departments, Fire Service and Civil Defence, local government representatives, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), Rooppur project officials and other stakeholders participated in the programme.
The event was attended by Science and Technology Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Syeda Naushin Parnini as chief guest. BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan was present as the special guest, while NPCBL Managing Director Dr Md Zahedul Hasan chaired the programme.
The first session focused on the safety systems of the Rooppur nuclear power plant, emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, national and international regulatory frameworks, and the responsibilities of relevant agencies.
In his presentation, Dr Zahedul Hasan highlighted the plant's modern safety design, active and passive safety systems, international safety standards and the importance of maintaining effective emergency preparedness.
The second session featured a tabletop emergency response exercise based on a hypothetical scenario. Participants practised their respective responsibilities, inter-agency coordination, information sharing and decision-making processes during a potential emergency.
Speakers at the workshop stressed that coordinated preparedness among national and local institutions is essential for effectively responding to any potential nuclear or radiological emergency.
They said regular training, emergency drills and inter-agency coordination can strengthen response capabilities while also helping ensure public safety and build public confidence in the country's nuclear power programme.
Speaking as chief guest, Dr Syeda Naushin Parnini described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as an important milestone for Bangladesh's energy security and sustainable development.
She said safe operation of the facility, along with effective emergency preparedness, inter-agency coordination and regular exercises, would be crucial for maintaining public confidence.
BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said coordinated preparedness among the plant operator, regulatory authorities and other relevant institutions—following national regulations and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards—would be essential to protecting the public and strengthening confidence in Bangladesh's nuclear power programme.
NPCBL Managing Director Dr Md Zahedul Hasan said the likelihood of a major emergency at Rooppur is extremely low. However, he stressed that a low probability of an incident does not reduce the need for the highest level of preparedness.
According to him, safe operation depends not only on technology but also on the combination of skilled personnel, a strong safety culture and effective emergency preparedness.
He said NPCBL's trained operations team is preparing to operate the plant in accordance with international standards with support from experienced Russian operating specialists.
Dr Hasan said this combined capability would be an important foundation for strengthening public confidence in the project.
Rooppur Project Director Dr Md Kabir Hossain also emphasised the importance of emergency preparedness and the coordinated role of all stakeholders in ensuring the safe operation of the power plant.
The tabletop emergency response exercise was coordinated by NPCBL officials Md Rabiul Islam and Md Sabbir Ahmed.
