Bangladesh will build its second nuclear power plant in the southern region of Barishal after it kicked off main construction of the Rooppur plant in the northern district of Pabna in November last year.
“The government has already conducted survey in several islands in Barishal and we will choose any of those islands to construct the country’s next nuclear power plant,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Monday.
She made the announcement while launching the Golden Jubilee programmes of Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (BSMC) through video conference from her Ganabhaban residence, reports BSS.
A feasibility study is also going on to supply gas from Bhola to Barishal aimed at flourishing industries in the region, Hasina said.
Health Minister Mohammad Nasim spoke on the occasion from BSMC premises while State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Malik was present at the Gonobhaban.
Highlighting her administration’s plans for development of the South, the prime minister said the region was neglected for a long time. “Barishal, once known as the ‘Shashya Bhandar’ (crop storage) and ‘Venice of Bangla’ has lost its glory due to negligence.”
The government wants to bring back the glory by boosting farm output, industrialisation and infrastructure development in the region, said Hasina.
The Padma Bridge with rail connectivity would play a key role in the socioeconomic development of Barishal region. The rail line on Padma Bridge would go up to Payra Port via Barishal.
A feasibility study of the project, with the support of the British government, is being conducted, she added.
Hasina said the Paira Port will be turned into a deep sea port in future. Construction of a 1300 MW power plant is about to be completed, she said.