Nuclear regulatory activities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a nucleus of trained manpower to start implementation of its first nuclear power station. However, some problems are anticipated in forming a nuclear regulatory body as most of the personnel with a background in nuclear engineering will be needed in project implementation and subsequent operation/maintenance. A few personnel trained in aspects of nuclear safety are available with the organization. A small in-house safety committee exists at present. This committee has gained considerable experience while reviewing safety aspects of different proposals for the nuclear project. The body is also involved in the safety evaluation of the research reactor under construction and of various other facilities using nuclear radiation sources. The experience thus gained is highlighted in the paper. A radiation protection ordinance is awaiting governmental approval. This envisages the formation of a regulatory body. Part of the body, in the beginning, would consist of personnel who are also involved in promoting nuclear energy, while the other part would consist of experts from other private and government organizations. The proposed organizational structure and the function of the body are given. Bangladesh at present does not have its own safety standards, codes and guides. Consequently, for the first plant at least, codes, standards and safety guides of the supplier, the regulatory body of the supplier country and the IAEA are proposed to be used. The mechanism for international co-operation and the adaptation of codes and guides to suit Bangladesh's purposes are presented. The paper also shows how in future the body can be ultimately turned into an exclusive nuclear regulatory body through training personnel in different aspects of nuclear safety. (author)