Category: Energy and Power

The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by Tk 3.17 per unit for December, reflecting a rise in costs on the international market.

as a result, the price of the most commonly used 12kg cylinder has risen by Tk 38 to Tk 1,253.

the price was Tk 1,215 in November.

the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new LPG rates recently.

the price per kg of LPG in December will be Tk 104.41, up from Tk 101.24 the previous month.

according to BERC, the average price of propane and butane, as declared by Saudi Arabia’s state-owned company Aramco for December, is $488.50 per tonne, compared with $465.25 per tonne in November.

according to the new rates, the price of reticulated LPG is Tk 100.66 per kg, up from Tk 97.98 in the previous month.

the price of autogas for December will be Tk 57.32 per litre, an increase from Tk 55.65 per litre in November.

Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) has undergone a remarkable transformation in just a few months.

the company overcame coal shortages, financial constraints, and operational challenges to bring both units to full capacity, raising availability from about 45% to over 90% and delivering the highest monthly generation in Bangladesh.

an interview highlighted that not only strategic financial interventions and disciplined operations, but also a commitment to environmental compliance, safety, and a long-term partnership with Bangladesh, underscoring how MSTPP is now powering progress with responsibility. Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Ltd (BIFPCL) Managing Director R. Sarangapani shared his insights with Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain.

in the last few months, MSTPP has made significant progress.

tell us something about this turnaround.

at the time of my joining BIFPCL in March this year, there was no coal stock, with only one unit running in the last few months. With sustained efforts from my team, especially finance, we secured additional working capital more than double the existing amount, enabling continuous coal supply for sustained generation.

as a result, both units are running to full capacity from April to May. Our availability has improved from nearly 45% to more than 90%. In the last month, we generated more than 700 MUs, the highest monthly generation by any plant supplying power to Bangladesh.

throughout the month, MSTPP consistently supported the national grid by contributing nearly 11.5% of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand. MSTPP has been delivering over 600 MUs or about 8% of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand regularly.

in short, we have been able to break the vicious cycle.

at the same time, we have greatly improved our debt obligations. We have been able to service the periodic installments to the lender, and as of now, there is no outstanding amount. What does this milestone mean for Bangladesh’s energy landscape? It’s a significant achievement for Bangladesh.

it adds a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly base-load capacity to the grid, which is critical for sustaining economic growth, industrialization, and rural electrification.

it also exemplifies successful Indo-Bangla cooperation in large-scale infrastructure development.

the joint venture nature of BIFPCL, between NTPC and BPDB, is unique. Has this model worked in practice? Absolutely.

the joint venture combines NTPC’s global-class engineering, safety, and project execution expertise with BPDB’s deep understanding of the local landscape.

this synergy has ensured that the project meets international benchmarks while being fully integrated with Bangladesh’s power sector needs.

it’s a model worth replicating. How do you see BIFPCL’s role in Bangladesh’s energy future? BIFPCL is not just a project developer; it is a long-term strategic energy partner for Bangladesh. We aim to ensure uninterrupted, affordable, and reliable power. Beyond MSTPP, we are evaluating options for diversification, including renewables and cleaner technologies, in alignment with Vision 2041 and Sustainable Development Goals.

the project faced criticism related to environmental concerns, especially due to its proximity to the Sundarbans. What steps has BIFPCL taken to address these concerns? Environmental compliance has been a cornerstone of this project. We’ve adopted ultra-supercritical technology, installed integrated Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs), and Low-NOx burners.

a 275-meter chimney ensures efficient emission dispersion.

independent audits and regular inspections confirm our compliance. We are continuously meeting all the environmental parameters, which are independently sent to the pollution board periodically. We’ve also undertaken extensive tree plantation, biodiversitypreservation, and CSR activities in nearby communities. Power plants globally are under increasing pressure to decarbonize. How does a coal-based plant like MSTPP stay relevant in this context? Developing countries like Bangladesh still need base-load capacity to support growth. MSTPP uses one of the cleanest and most efficient coal technologies available today. It serves as a transitional source of power while the country builds up its renewable infrastructure.

there are various options available for reducing carbon footprint and aligning with global energy transitions like biomass co-firing and flue gas carbon capture.

these alternatives need detailed discussions with the government. What steps has BIFPCL taken to ensure safety, especially during plant commissioning and early operations? Safety is non-negotiable at BIFPCL. We’ve implemented an integrated safety management system modeled on NTPC’s framework, conducted intensive training for all staff and contractors, and established a strong culture of incident reporting and proactive risk mitigation. From a project management perspective, what lessons have been learned from implementing a megaproject like MSTPP in a foreign country? Executing a project of this scale outside one’s home country brings unique challenges-cultural, logistical, and regulatory. Key lessons include the importance of local partnerships, strong stakeholder engagement, flexibility in execution strategy, and adaptability to changing conditions.

the pandemic, for instance, tested our resilience, but we adapted swiftly and delivered.

there have been reports about disruptions in coal supply and working capital challenges.

is the plant’s operation at risk? Coal availability at sea has never been an issue.

occasionally, siltation in the channel or delays in payments have impacted unloading. However, we’ve managed operations with careful planning, coordination with MPA, and proactive procurement.

on working capital, as already told, we were able to secure sufficient value for sustaining operations. We are also planning for an enhancement to improve the situation.

there’s talk about delays in payments to coal suppliers and EPC contractors. How is BIFPCL managing its financial obligations? We’ve regularly closed our LTRs with banks and continue to meet all debt servicing obligations to EXIM Bank of India. Local liquidity issues have created temporary stress, but we are actively pursuing working capital solutions through both government and banking channels. Financial prudence and transparency guide all our actions. Critics argue that BIFPCL has created a financial burden on the government. How do you respond? That’s a misperception. MSTPP was financed via soft loans from EXIM Bank of India under sovereign arrangements. The electricity it produces offsets more expensive generation sources, helping keep tariffs stable.

over its life cycle, the project is cost-efficient and vital for national energy security.

it’s not a burden-it’s an investment in the future.

the media has often portrayed the plant as controversial. Why do you think this narrative persists? Large projects inevitably attract scrutiny. In this case, some early concerns were amplified before full facts were available. We have consistently complied with all environmental and regulatory norms.

as people now see the plant operating safely and contributing to local development, the narrative is shifting positively.

there’s often criticism in the media regarding the salaries and perks of expatriates at BIFPCL. How do you justify this in a developing country like Bangladesh? Expatriate staff from NTPC bring decades of global project execution and OandM experience.

their contributions ensured timely commissioning and operational excellence.

their remuneration follows NTPC’s salary structure and global deputation policy, and as per the agreed bilateral framework. More importantly, they are building capacity among local engineers to ensure longterm sustainability. We are the only plant among similar-sized coal plants in Bangladesh where the desk operations are managed by local people recruited by the company under the supervision of expatriates.

it’s an investment in knowledge transfer, not an overhead. Beyond power generation, what kind of community engagement or CSR initiatives is BIFPCL undertaking in the region? We are deeply committed to the communities around us. BIFPCL has built the Maitree School, supported healthcare camps, and initiated vocational training and skill development programs.

our CSR is not just about infrastructure-it’s about creating inclusive opportunities. What has been the biggest challenge during your tenure at BIFPCL? Balancing the expectations of multiple stakeholders in a dynamic environment- while maintaining technical, financial, and environmental performance-has been both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding experience. Leading a project of this complexity across borders has been an honor. What are the plans for BIFPCL beyond MSTPP? Any renewable energy aspirations? We’re exploring renewable options such as solar hybrids, battery storage, and even carbon capture.

as Bangladesh progresses toward a sustainable energy mix, BIFPCL intends to be a contributor-building on the foundation laid by MSTPP.

one final question-what is your message to the people of Bangladesh? Thank you for your trust and support. MSTPP was built with vision, dedication, and shared purpose. BIFPCL will continue to deliver power reliably, responsibly, and sustainably. We look forward to being an inseparable and integral part of Bangladesh’s energy journey in the years to come.

A total of 690 climate-resilient, low-cost housing units for urban poor communities were inaugurated recently in Chandpur, Kushtia, Noakhali and Gopalganj under the Livelihoods I m p r o v e m e n t of Urban Poor C o m m u n i t i e s Project (LIUPCP). The initiative is being implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) with support from the UK Government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

the inauguration was held virtually from the Bangladesh Secretariat, with simultaneous launch events in the four project cities, according to a UNDP press release. Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of LGD and chief guest at the event, stressed the necessity of safe and dignified housing for climate-vulnerable urban populations. He noted that Bangladesh continues to face severe climate impacts despite contributing very little to global emissions.

The planet is on track to log its second hottest year on record in 2025, tied with 2023 after a historic high in 2024, Europe’s global warming monitor said recently.

the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service reaffirms that global temperatures are on course to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels — the threshold considered safer in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

temperatures rose by 1.48C on average between January and November, or ‘currently tied with 2023 to be the second-warmest year on record’, according to the service’s monthly update. ‘The three-year average for 2023-2025 is on track to exceed 1.5C for the first time,’ Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at Copernicus, said in a statement. ‘These milestones are not abstract – they reflect the accelerating pace of climate change and the only way to mitigate future rising temperatures is to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions,’ Burgess said.

State-run Petrobangla has prioritized launching an onshore bidding round ahead of an offshore one to ramp up the country’s overall natural gas output from local fields. ‘We are now concentrating on inviting an international tender to carry out oil and gas exploration in onshore gas blocks, especially in hilly areas,’ a senior Petrobangla official said. Raising gas production from domestic fields has become essential amid dwindling output and rising demand across industries, power plants and other major consumers, he said. ‘We are keen to float the tender soon for the onshore gas blocks,’ he added. ‘The bid round for offshore gas blocks will come later.’ Lower investment requirements and shorter exploration periods in onshore blocks have prompted Petrobangla to priorities the onshore round first, according to market insiders.

offshore exploration requires significantly higher investment and longer lead times, they added.

Chief adviser M u h a m m a d Yunus recently stressed the need for stronger trade, energy and e c o n o m i c ties between B a n g l a d e s h a n d Azerbaijan. He discussed the issues when Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, daughters of Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev, called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna.

this marked the first visit to Bangladesh by the daughters of the Azerbaijani president. Yunus recalled his many visits to Baku and his meeting with president Aliyev during the COP29 summit late last year, said chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad. Leyla Aliyeva, vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of IDEA Public Union, called for enhanced environmental cooperation, particularly in wildlife protection

Bangladesh recently reinstated approvals for 11 solar plants with a combined capacity of 918 MW after developers agreed to lower tariffs, in a move expected to save the government BDT 11.69 billion ($96.2 million) per year.

the Advisers’ Council Committee on Government Purchase said the tariff reductions will save the government BDT 11.69 billion annually in power purchase costs from these plants.

according to Power Division officials, the average tariff for the projects had been $0.11/kWh. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, said that under the renegotiated terms, power purchase costs from the 12 power plants will decrease by about $0.03/kWh. ‘Since LNG is costly, we are focusing on generating power from solar,’ he told reporters after the meeting.

after taking office in August 2024, the current government canceled approvals for 34 power plants with a combined capacity of 5,681 MW, claiming that they had been approved through unsolicited proposals and were burdened with excessively high tariffs.

the 11 solar power plants reinstated were among those previously canceled, and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will purchase electricity from all of them for 20 years.

Eight people, including seven members of a family, suffered burn injuries in an explosion caused by a suspected gas line leakage at a tin-shed house in Agargaon recently.

the blast occurred at a government quarter on Paka Market Road.

the injured were taken to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

the victims are Md Abdul Jalil Mia, 50; his wife Arneeza Begum, 40; their sons Asif, 19, and Sakib, 16; Asif’s wife Monira, 17; their granddaughters Eva, 6, and Isha, 6; and neighbor Firozul Alam, 35. Dr Harunur Rashid, resident surgeon at DMCH, said Firozul suffered 21 percent burns, Jalil 12 percent, and Arneeza 10 percent.

others received burns on their hands and legs. Jalil’s son-in-law, Arfan Mia, said Arneeza went to the kitchen to cook early in the morning while others were asleep.

as she lit a match, a powerful explosion occurred, triggering a blaze and injuring all eight. Neighbors rushed in to rescue them.

The Swiss group acquired Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in Spain from Siemens Gamesa.

the financial terms of the deal were not revealed. Switzerland-based industrial conglomerate ABB announced it has completed the acquisition of Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in Spain from Siemens Gamesa. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

the deal, which was initially revealed in December 2024, is expected to strengthen ABB’s position and help it expand in the growing market for high-power renewable energy conversion technology. ‘The acquired portfolio includes power conversion products such as wind converters for doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), industrial battery energy storage systems (BESS), and utility-scale solar inverters,’ ABB said in a statement. ‘The transaction brings in around 400 employees, including key resources in Spain, India, China, the United States and Australia, and two converter factories in Madrid and Valencia.

aBB has also entered into a supply and services agreement with Siemens Gamesa.’ ABB also revealed that Gamesa Electric generated revenues of approximately pound 145 million ($168.4 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

Ba ngladesh is constructing its first commercial nuclear power installation (2×VVER-1200) at Rooppur, Pabna, which is expected to operate fully by 2026.

the national plan also includes a second nuclear plant, contributing to at least 10% of total electricity from nuclear sources by 2040. Radioactive waste management is therefore becoming increasingly important. While there is a general agreement that spent fuel from RNPP will be shipped back to the Russian Federation under intergovernmental agreements, Bangladesh must still independently manage LILW, i.e., disused sealed radiation sources (DSRS), waste generated from the 3 MW TRIGA Mark-II research reactor, and medical, industrial, and research radioactive waste streams. Bangladesh recently approved national policies assigning BAEC responsibility for developing RW management strategies and technical capacities.

the selection of a suitable geologic medium, particularly for near-surface disposal structures, is therefore an essential research priority. Near-surface disposal involves placing low and intermediatelevel radioactive waste in shallow repositories, typically at depths of up to a few hundred meters below the surface.

these types of waste have relatively short-lived radionuclides that decay quickly, so they don’t require long-term isolation. It is often situated on land where the waste is relatively easy to access for monitoring and management.

the waste is often placed in engineered barriers like concrete vaults or steel containers to prevent contact with groundwater or surface water.

the site is then sealed with soil or other materials to minimize exposure.

the advantage of near-surface disposal is lower cost compared to deep geological disposal, easier to construct, monitor, and manage, and shorter planning and construction periods. However, near-surface disposal is limited to low- and intermediate-level waste (not for high-level waste), is more vulnerable to surface disturbances (e.g., weathering, erosion, human activities), and potential for contamination of groundwater over time if not properly sealed. Basic concept of geological disposal of RW On the other hand, deep geological disposal involves placing high-level radioactive waste (HLW) deep underground, typically several hundred to thousands of meters below the earth’s surface, in stable geological formations. Primarily for high-level waste, which includes spent nuclear fuel and other materials from reactors that remain highly radioactive for thousands to millions of years.

these sites are typically located in geologically stable regions (e.g., deep sedimentary rock, granite, or salt formations) where the conditions are unlikely to change significantly over the long term.

the sites need to have very low seismic activity, minimal groundwater movement, and minimal potential for human interference.

in this system, waste is placed in canisters, which are then sealed in tunnels or vaults deep underground. Overlying rock layers act as a natural barrier to radiation, while engineered barriers (like bentonite clay) provide additional protection.

the goal is to isolate the waste for thousands to millions of years, well beyond the life of human-made structuresGlobal Geological Disposal Practices Using Clay Clay formations are widely recognized globally as one of the most promising host rocks for RW disposal due to their intrinsic physical, chemical, and geo-mechanical properties. Various countries are actively pursuing the use of natural clay in waste disposal systems. Finland has made significant strides in utilizing natural clay as part of its deep geological disposal strategy.

the Onkalo repository, located in the bedrock of the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, is the world’s first deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste (HLW).

the repository is designed to safely store waste for up to 100,000 years.

the Onkalo site utilizes bentonite clay (a smectite-rich clay) as a key component of the engineered barrier system (EBS). Bentonite’s low permeability, high swelling capacity, and ability to adsorb radionuclides make it an ideal material for preventing groundwater flow and ensuring the long-term isolation of radioactive waste.

extensive testing, including laboratory experiments and field trials, has demonstrated that bentonite will remain stable under the expected conditions at Onkalo, with its swelling properties providing selfsealing capabilities in case of cracks or gaps. Finland’s Onkalo project is regarded as a model for safe geological disposal, and its successful implementation of natural clay has set a global standard for future nuclear waste management projects. Sweden is also actively pursuing the use of natural clay in radioactive waste disposal, with the Forsmark repository being a key project for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste.

the repository is designed to be located at a depth of approximately 500 meters within the Swedish bedrock, where it will store radioactive waste for the long term. Like Finland, Sweden is using bentonite clay as a primary sealing material.

the clay is intended to form part of the EBS, alongside a thick layer of granite bedrock, to isolate the waste.

the Cigéo repository in France will use bentonite clay as part of the multi-barrier system, which includes a combination of rock and engineered materials. Bentonite is expected to act as a buffer between the waste containers and the surrounding rock, helping to prevent water from migrating and spreading contamination.

the French nuclear waste management agency (ANDRA) has been researching to understand the long-term performance of bentonite clay, particularly in relation to its behavior under high radiation and temperature conditions.

this is especially important as the waste will generate heat, which could affect the clay’s properties over time.

the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada was a proposed site for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in the United States. While the project has been politically and legally stalled for years, its design included extensive use of natural clay as a sealing material.

the proposed design for Yucca Mountain included a bentonite clay buffer, which was meant to reduce water flow and limit the migration of radionuclides.

the Opalinus Clay in Switzerland selected for HLW, spent fuel, and ILW disposal, exhibits extremely low permeability (10-13-10-11m/s) and diffusive transport-dominated migration.

the Swiss concept uses a bentonite-sand buffer around steel canisters. Boom Clay in Belgium (poorly indurated clay) was chosen for HLW and LILW, which was selected due to favorable porosity, homogeneity, retention capacity, and mechanical properties. Japan’s disposal research focuses on Neogene marine clay formations and bentonite-based engineered barriers. Studies evaluate coupled thermal and mechanical responses of bentonite under simulated repository conditions (JAEA, 2019). Clay Mineralogy and Behavior Relevant to RW Disposal Natural clays, particularly those rich in smectite minerals (e.g., montmorillonite), are characterized by several important properties that make them suitable for radioactive waste containment: Low Permeability: Clays are known for their very low hydraulic conductivity, which is a key factor in preventing the migration of radioactive isotopes.

the tightly packed mineral structure of clay forms a barrier that limits the flow of water and contaminants, reducing the possibility of leaching. High Ion-Exchange Capacity: Clays have a high cation-exchange capacity (CEC), meaning they can adsorb and immobilize a wide variety of ions, including radionuclides.

this property is crucial for reducing the mobility of radioactive elements such as cesium, strontium, and uranium. Stability under Long-Term Conditions: Natural clays, particularly those formed in stable geological environments, are generally resistant to chemical weathering and physical disruption.

their stability under both anoxic and alkaline conditions makes them ideal for long-term waste containment, where the material must remain intact for thousands to millions of years. Swelling and Self-Healing Properties: Certain clays, especially smectites, exhibit a unique ability to swell when in contact with water.

this can enhance their sealing capacity, as the swelling clays can close up cracks and gaps in the barrier.

this selfhealing ability can improve the integrity of the containment system over time.

abundance and Cost-Effectiveness: Natural clays are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other engineered materials.

this makes them an attractive option for large-scale waste disposal projects. Several types of natural clays have been considered for use in radioactive waste disposal systems.

among the most commonly studied are: Smectite Clays (e.g., Montmorillonite): Montmorillonite, a member of the smectite group, is particularly well-suited for radioactive waste containment due to its high swelling capacity, ion-exchange properties, and low permeability. Smectites are widely used in both laboratory and field tests for evaluating the effectiveness of clay-based barrier systems.

illite Clays: Illite clays are also considered for waste disposal applications, although they tend to have a lower swelling capacity than smectites.

they are often found in environments with more stable physical and chemical conditions, which makes them suitable for certain geological formations. Kaolinite and Chlorite Clays: Kaolinite and chlorite clays are less commonly used but are being studied for their potential in low-level radioactive waste disposal.

they have a relatively low ion-exchange capacity compared to smectites, but may still offer suitable containment properties under specific conditions. Major clay types and their repository applications.

the suitability and challenges of natural clays for radioactive waste disposal The suitability of natural clays for radioactive waste disposal depends on a variety of factors, including the type of waste, the specific characteristics of the clay, and the geological environment. The key aspects that affect the performance of clays in waste disposal systems are geochemical interactions and radionuclide retention, mechanical and thermal stability, impact of groundwater and fluid flow, and long-term performance and aging. However, there are some challenges and limitations of natural clays. Natural clays exhibit significant variability in their composition, mineralogy, and behavior, which can affect their suitability for specific waste disposal applications. Variability in smectite content, for example, can impact swelling properties and ion-exchange capacity. While clays are generally stable, they can be susceptible to physical disruption from seismic activity or erosion over long periods.

the integrity of clay barriers must be carefully considered in areas with seismic risk or active hydrological conditions.

exposure to high temperatures, radiation, or extreme pH conditions could lead to the transformation of clay minerals, potentially reducing their ability to retain radionuclides or act as effective barriers. For instance, smectite can transform into less reactive minerals like illite or chlorite under certain conditions. Madhupur clay for the radioactive waste disposal in Bangladesh The long-term disposal of radioactive waste requires materials and rock formations that provide reliable containment over geological timescales.

among the key criteria are very low permeability, high sorption capacity for radionuclides, mechanical and chemical stability, and predictable behavior under coupled thermalhydraulic-mechanical-chemical conditions. Bangladesh lies in a tectonically active deltaic region dominated by alluvial sediments, deltaic clays, Pleistocene Madhupur Clay, coastal marine clay, tertiary mudstone/shale in Chittagong Hill Tracts, and clay-rich layers in Sylhet and Bogura basins. Madhupur Clay is widely studied and geographically extensive, making it the most viable natural clay candidate.

this type of clay is described as highly weathered, reddish-brown to brickred clayey deposit, often capping uplifted blocks or terraces above alluvial flood plains. Madhupur Clay is suitable for nearsurface LILW disposal but not for deep HLW repositories. For future HLW disposal, tertiary mudstones of the Chittagong Hill Tracts show potential and need systematic exploration. Coastal and marine clays have high water content, are compressible, and saline, which makes them unsuitable for deep disposal, and may be used for engineered barriers after purification/bentonite blending.

tertiary mudstone in hill tracts lithified and indurated claystone/mudstone, comparable to argillite Boom Clay in Belgium in terms of diagenesis, which requires systematic geotechnical, hydrogeological, and mineralogical evaluation. Conclusion: Natural clay formations provide some of the most reliable and scientifically proven geological media for radioactive waste disposal. Bangladesh’s geological setting includes significant clay deposits, notably Madhupur Clay and Tertiary mudstones, which hold potential for RW containment, particularly for near-surface LILW disposal. However, extensive geotechnical, hydrogeological, mineralogical, and structural characterization is required before selecting any site for longterm RW isolation. Building a national clay characterization program and establishing a deep geological research facility will be vital steps toward a sustainable RW management strategy.

there are some research gaps and challenges, such as geological and hydrogeological data gaps, geo-mechanical characterization, groundwater flow modeling and diffusion coefficients, fault and fracture mapping at disposal depths, etc.

in addition, there are some engineering and technological gaps, such as a lack of national bentonite characterization programs, the absence of underground research laboratories, and limited experience with large-scale engineered barrier systems.

there are also regulatory and institutional challenges, including the need for site-selection guidelines, establishing RW disposal safety case methodology and skilled manpower, and RandD infrastructure development. Under these circumstances, Bangladesh can adopt the multibarrier clay-based disposal concepts used in Europe, where indigenous clay can be blended with imported sodium bentonite to create engineered barriers. For all of this, Bangladesh needs to establish regional collaboration with the IAEA, European clay disposal programs like ANDRA, NAGRA, ONDRAF, and Asian countries building clay repositories