Nuclear energy: Tough call for Bangladesh

Bangladesh, an energy-starved nation, plans to build a nuclear power plant for US$1.5 billion. To be built by 2018, it will have a generating capacity of 2,000 megawatts of electricity. The present government will have to make a tough call now on whether to proceed with its plan to build nuclear power plants, or look at other renewable energy sources, considering the recent explosion and radioactive leakage at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The nuclear power generation policy must be reviewed. The government should re-look at other sources such as solar or wind as renewable energy options as opposed to narrowing it down to just nuclear energy. Considering what has happened in Japan, where people are potentially exposed to radiation leaks, it would require serious consideration before embarking on the nuclear power project. Bangladesh is vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, severe floods and cyclones. Political parties and civil society groups should urge the government not to rush to build nuclear power plants until all safety aspects and public feedback were considered. Government should also engage international consultants to evaluate the location and requirement for such plants to be built. Hasibur Rahman Dhaka Email: hasiburrahman1970@gmail.com