Another N-power plant in country\\\'s southern part: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina expressed on Wednesday her wish to build another nuclear power plant in the southern part of the country after successful completion of first one in Rooppur, reports BSS.

"We have many isolated coastal islands in the country's southern part. I have envisaged building another nuclear power plant to meet our growing demand for electricity," she said.

"In this connection we need to take preparation from now as the whole process takes a long time," she added.

The PM said this while addressing the officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology at Secretariat during her first visit to the ministry after taking office in January last.

"The land was earmarked for Rooppur Nuclear Plant in 1962. Many decades have gone. Many powerful countries locked in conflicts centering our nuke plant," she said.

"After overcoming those obstacles, we have finally taken the decision to build the nuclear power plant as electricity is very crucial for our advancement. So, if we want to build another nuclear power plant it will certainly take time," she added.

UNB adds: The PM underscored the need for using science and technology in all development activities, saying it has opened up the doors to advance the nation towards prosperity at a faster pace.

"I'm determined to develop a science and technology based society to ensure improved living for the people," she said while addressing the officials of the Ministry.

Elaborating various steps of her previous government in ensuring application of science and technology, the PM said initiatives have been taken to establish a digital Bangladesh by the year 2021.

In this connection, she mentioned the formulation of the National ICT Policy 2009 as well as setting up of union information and service centres across the country.

Hasina said that her government has formulated a time-befitting, modern National Education Policy giving due emphasis on science, technology and ICT based education starting from the schools.

She said six science and technology universities were set up during the 1996-2001 term of her government while seven more such universities were set up during 2009-2013.

The PM said Bangabandhu Fellowship on Science and ICT Project is being implemented to build a science-based nation while other fellowships are given for research works.