Dhaka: Bangladesh and the United States have signed a strategic civil nuclear cooperation agreement aimed at expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in New York on September 25, 2026, by Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Adviser for Science and Technology Rehan Asad and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg.
The agreement comes as Bangladesh seeks to diversify its long-term energy sources and strengthen energy security through greater use of nuclear technology.
Bangladesh, US Focus on Peaceful Nuclear Energy
Under the Bangladesh-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement, both countries recognized the potential role of nuclear energy in meeting their energy requirements.
The agreement specifically focuses on civilian nuclear cooperation and the peaceful use of nuclear technology, rather than general energy trade.
The two sides also emphasized that civil nuclear cooperation should comply with high standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation.
Bangladesh and the United States both have safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Both countries are also parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The new agreement comes as Bangladesh works to expand and diversify its long-term energy supply.
Bangladesh is developing its nuclear energy capacity through the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s first nuclear power facility. The government has also been pursuing international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.
The civil nuclear agreement could provide a framework for increased technical and scientific cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in the civilian nuclear sector.
The agreement follows a broader energy cooperation memorandum signed by Bangladesh and the US in May 2026, which focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s long-term energy security through diversified energy sources.
A key element of the Bangladesh-US nuclear cooperation deal is the commitment to safety, security and safeguards.
The agreement records the shared position that civilian nuclear cooperation should be conducted in accordance with international standards and non-proliferation commitments.
For Bangladesh, the agreement comes as the country continues to develop its civilian nuclear energy capabilities while working with international institutions on nuclear safety and safeguards.
The latest development represents another area of cooperation between Dhaka and Washington, with both sides highlighting the peaceful applications of nuclear energy and its potential contribution to long-term energy security.
