Problems of power shortage and outage in our country can hardly be overstated and therefore the justification for adequate uninterrupted supply of electricity needs no elaboration.

The current method of production of electricity through burning of fossil fuels, or by construction of river dams, is not very efficient, cost-effective or environment-friendly, and definitely not enough to meet our needs, considering the high demands for electricity now and obviously more so in the future. The spiralling increase in costs of imported petroleum, uncertainty of its supply in the world market, current international political turmoil and ongoing wars in the Middle East are just some of the factors that we need to seriously consider as our obstacle for affordable and reliable source of energy in the long run.

Moreover, burning of excessive coals and petroleum to produce electricity will add considerably to the already alarming levels of air and water pollutions, with simultaneous increase of health problems and accompanying medical expenses. On the other hand, a small quantity of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of electricity, with almost no such environmental effects, as long as the plant design ensures radiation safety and proper disposal of the nuclear waste.

Therefore, it is time for the government to take positive steps towards nuclear power plants, but it has to be done right from the start. Initial financial cost for a project like this will be undoubtedly heavy, but it is a very worthwhile investment for our future that deserves our best efforts. Once decided to go head, this matter should be of utmost national priority without any compromise, and there should be no slide back or change of heart on the change of government after elections. Moreover, the bidding should be done in a way that would award the contract to unquestionably the most reputed builder of nuclear plants with best track records of safety and efficiency, not necessarily the lowest bidder, keeping in mind that this is a nuclear power project (and remembering the Chernobyl tragedy).

Our leaders and politicians must keep this matter above politics and put all of their support squarely behind this project. The whole nation should be united for this great project, and the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with BAEC should arrange for seminars, symposiums and public meetings at district levels to make people aware of the needs and benefits of a nuclear power plant and to rally mass support for it. The whole nation, with all of its political parties, should be fully united and prepared to face a lot of objections, criticism and even intimidation from some international quarters and pundits.

The West is too wary these days of any country, especially a Muslim nation, resorting to nuclear power for its energy needs, as if a nuclear power plant is a factory of nuclear bombs in disguise. Therefore, we need wise and determined leadership and collective political will and vision to brave the storm of protests and opposition. However, any decision by our government regarding nuclear plants must be done through prior consultation with and due guidance from the International Atomic Energy Commission in order to avoid political wrangling later as much as possible.