Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) was established in 1973 as a multidisciplinary R&D organization with the view of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy in Bangladesh. From the very beginning of its formation, BAEC started R&D works in areas covering physical science, bioscience, engineering and nuclear medicine for human welfare and economic uplift of the country. At present, the BAEC has grown as the largest organization for scientific and technological research in Bangladesh. BAEC has also been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing the country’s first nuclear power plant in order to make substantial contribution to the eve-increasing demand for electricity as well as to ensure energy security for the future generation. It is also committed to establish nuclear safety culture as per international conventions and rules. BAEC has a long history which started much before the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. In the 60’s, the practice of nuclear energy applications started in this region through establishment of nuclear medicine facilities in Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi medical colleges. In parallel, land acquisition for establishment of a nuclear power plant at Rooppur, Pabna was accomplished. Atomic Energy Center at Dhaka started functioning (1965) with a 3MV Van de Graff Accelerator and several R&D laboratories including space research laboratory. (Currently SPARSO) and radiation biology (currently BINA). On 29 September 1972, Bangladesh became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). BAEC was formed by the Presidential Order-15 of 1973 with the visionary initiative of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The largest establishment of BAEC, Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE), Savar became functional in 1976. In 1985, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Service Rule-1985 was approved by the government vie Gazette Notification No. DA.1, Dated 15 August. In mid 80’s, 3 MW TRIGA MARK-II Nuclear Research Reactor at AERE, Savar became critical. In 1993, Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Act 1993 was promulgated and BAEC was given the regulatory authority for safeguarding concerned activities within Bangladesh. Within four years, BAEC finalized the formulation of the regulations under the above-mentioned law and started execution accordingly. Rooppur Nuclear Power Project proceeded with a series of milestone events. In 2000, Bangladesh Nuclear Power Action Plan (BNPAP) was approved by the Govt. of Bangladesh. Parliament of Bangladesh passed a resolution for early implementation of nuclear power plant under a mixed energy policy in 2010. Next year Inter Government Agreement (IGA) was signed between Bangladesh and the Russian Federation for construction of a NPP at the allocated plant site at Rooppur, Pabna (RNPP) comprising of 02 units, each of 1000 MWe capacity. Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Division (NSRCD) was separated from BAEC on February 12, 2013. In this connection, an independent regulatory body named Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority was formed under the BAERA Act-2013 on 19 June. On 2 October, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the First Phase Construction work of RNPP. It is very much expected that BAEC will pass the year 2014 buzzing with diverse activities and programs at RNPP site at Roopput as well as for accomplishing research and services in other establishments.