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Dhaka Friday,  Mar 29, 2024

Russia-BD cooperation In Nuclear Energy Opens New Scopes For Youth

EB Desk

Youth exchange programme between two friendly countries – Russia and Bangladesh – is nothing new. But, with the signing of bilateral agreement for construction of Bangladesh’s first-ever nuclear power plant at Rooppur of Ishwardi the youth exchange programme has received further impetus and new dimension.

“We now primarily focused on youths who have interest in science and technology”, says Alexey Pimenov, Regional Vice President, ROSATOM South Asia.

Russia’s state atomic energy corporation- ROSATOM recently hosted two young teachers from University of Dhaka and Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) at  the “Forsage-2017” Forum, which took place in Russia’s  Kaluga  region from July 9-15 .

ROSATOM was partner of the Forum, which was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Energy of Russia. This year 650 people from more than 160 Russian and international companies participated in the Forum, dedicated to the development of future vision on the horizon of 2035.

Hosan Mohammad Iqbal, Lecturer, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Dhaka, one of the participants sharing his experience said: “It was really exciting and beneficial for me experience. I saw how young engineers and industrialists develop their ideas; these can help our people, environment and future generations. I had the opportunity to work with our foreign colleagues, share our thoughts on generation of innovative ideas. I came to know what young professionals in other countries think about the future. ”

This year, Russia hosts the 2017 World Festival of Youth and Student (WFYS) in the Winter Olympic city of Sochi from October 14-22. Approximately 30,000 participants from 150 countries including Bangladesh are expected to attend this mega event. The first World Festival of Youth and Students was organised in1947. In 1957 and 1985 the festival was held in Moscow, Russia.

Alexey Pimenov informed that ROSATOM will sponsor participation in the Festival of more than 15 young professionals and students from various parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Pabna. Some of the participants represent top educational institutions of Bangladesh like Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and University of Dhaka.

Sk Azmaeen Bin Amir, President of BUET Nuclear Engineering Club and one of the participants of the upcoming World Festival in his comments said, “The joint ventures between the countries generally seen as opportunities for new jobs. Such a big Russia-Bangladesh joint venture project like Rooppur Nuclear Power plant,  besides creating new job opportunities for engineers and technical people, encourages learning more about Russia.

Today students see Russian language not only as a language of literature but also a beneficial business tool, which help them to find a job in hi-tech areas like nuclear power”.

“I am very excited to be a part of WFYS – 2017. I consider it to be an opportunity to represent my country and find new friends at the Festival. This I believe will help me in establishing global communication and in building my future career as well,” says Arpita kundu Mumu, a 3rd year MBBS student of Kumudini Women’s Medical College.

Golam Sarwar Rakib, 4th year student of Nuclear Engineering Department, University of Dhaka says, “Thanks to ROSATOM for the unique opportunity to participate in such a global event.  WFYS, I believe will help know about the young people from other geographical regions, their views on various topics including nuclear energy. I am looking for making many friends there. ”

Another very prospective area of youth exchange between   the two friendly countries is higher education of Bangladeshi students in Russia. Bangladeshi students are already studying in Russia.  Under a bilateral agreement, ROSATOM provides scholarship to talented Bangladeshi students for studying nuclear engineering at the National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) in Russia. MEPhI is in the list of top 100 institutions in World University Ranking in Physical Sciences.

Valery Karezin, Director of Educational Projects and the HR service, ROSATOM  while describing the nuclear education programme in Russia says, “Nuclear industry staff training involves two educational systems – higher education and further vocational education. When preparing for work in the nuclear industry, a candidate first receives higher professional education, for instance, at one of the supporting universities of Rosatom. Training can take from five to seven years and includes studying the Russian language and getting a specialist (five years) or bachelor’s (four years) degree and a master’s (two years) degree. ”

“At present, about 50 students from Bangladesh are studying nuclear engineering in Russia. This year, the first group of these students is to graduate and go home back. We plan to prepare about 100 professionals specializing in the nuclear industry by the time the Rooppur NPP is commissioned,” he added.

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