Nuclear security transcends mere technicalities; it is fundamentally intertwined with national security, international obligations, and state duties, Defence Adviser demonstrated it today at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Mirpur Cantonment.
The Honorable Prime Minister’s Defense Advisor, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, PSC, G, presented a special lecture on this critical subject as an invited speaker. He addressed the audience on the theme “Nuclear Security: National Responsibility Under International Commitment and Its Implications on National Security” to the faculty and students of MIST’s Nuclear Security and Engineering Department.
In his lecture, the Honorable Defense Advisor underscored the significance of nuclear security as a vital and strategic aspect of national security. He elaborated on global apprehensions regarding nuclear security, Bangladesh’s obligations in accordance with international commitments, the nation’s dedication to nuclear security, the Bangladesh Army’s role in safeguarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and the present and future challenges facing nuclear security in Bangladesh.
He stated, “Nuclear security is not merely a technical issue; it is directly related to national security, international commitments, and state responsibilities.” Concerning global nuclear security concerns, he remarked that in today’s world, the protection of nuclear facilities, components, technology, and associated infrastructure is not solely an internal issue for any one nation; instead, it is intrinsically linked to global security, regional stability, and international trust. Factors such as terrorism, cyber threats, technological risks, internal security weaknesses, and the capacity to manage emergency situations have become crucial elements of nuclear security.
On the topic of Bangladesh’s commitment, he affirmed that the country is dedicated to adhering to international standards, fostering a security culture, ensuring responsible management, and fulfilling relevant international obligations in the utilization of nuclear technology.
The Bangladesh Army is playing an important role in the security of strategically important installations like the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant through a sense of national responsibility, high-quality preparation and coordination with inter-agency. Highlighting the challenges of nuclear security in Bangladesh, he said that nuclear security is now part of the implementation of multi-dimensional security. Physical security, cyber security, internal threat prevention, emergency response, trained human resources, public awareness and the ability to make informed decisions are of particular importance in this regard. He emphasized on further strengthening research, training, policy preparation and international cooperation in this regard.
At the end of the speech, he answered various questions from the teachers and students present and exchanged views on the practical, policy and national security aspects of nuclear security. Later, the Commandant of MIST, Major General Md. Hakimuzzaman, SGP, NDC, AFWC, PSC, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Defense Advisor to the Honorable Prime Minister for coming to MIST despite his busy schedule and providing knowledgeable guidance to the teachers and students.
During the visit, the Honorable Defense Advisor visited various technology-based projects including robotics and drones developed by students from different departments of MIST. He appreciated the innovative thinking, technical skills and research-oriented activities of the students.
At the same time, he mentioned the important role of young researchers and students in the technology-based security and development journey of Bangladesh in the future. Finally, he participated in a photo session with the teachers and students of MIST.
News source : ISPR, Dhaka, Bangladesh
