Expatriate Bangladeshi 2000
Linking Individuals, Regions, Ideas, and Actions
Expatriate Bangladeshi 2000Linking Individuals, Regions, Ideas, and Actions |
THE PHOENIX RISES ...Resurrection of the Rooppur Nuclear ProjectSYLVIA MORTOZA Writes from DhakaThis article was posted in NFB 's Editorial section , 25th Feb , 2000 EditionThe Phoenix rises again but considering the inherent danger from a nuclear reactor, it is time the people rise up against this inherent danger being foisted upon us. That nuclear plants spell danger has been reinforced time and again by different countries and organisations yet we still do not seem to have ears to hear or eyes to see what will be ahead of us if we go down this street. In other words the resurrection yet once again of the Rooppur Nuclear Project sends chills up and down our spines. We can recall an article by Dr. Ahmad Fazlul Kabir called "A Prescription For Disaster" which told us clearly all about the dangers from a nuclear power plant. As he is an expert, we should pay heed, but do we? Even though it must horrify all of us to even think about having a nuclear reactor anywhere in our densely populated country. Apart from this, all these plants have had to contend with human frailty, even in a country like Japan one of the most advanced countries in the world. Apart from our ability or inability to operate a plant of this magnitude and dimension, we need to be more aware that much of the decline in the sale of nuclear power plants in the west is due to strong political opposition. And most people believe this was one industry that would have died a natural death if manufacturers had not decided to target the developing world. But now that high-pressure nuclear salesmen from manufacturers in America have intensified their efforts to put such a plant here we should be on our guard and resist their efforts with all our might as we know the inherent dangers and know what could happen should an accident occur. It is important the government understand the temptations are not worth it, and if they continue to go along with the wishes of others they are sure to end up with a prescription for disaster. And even if they do, where is the money to come from? Not from the World Bank that is for sure, for they stopped giving money for nuclear power projects long ago because they were "both uncompetitive and potentially unsafe." If the government does not listen to these words of the wise, let our own nuclear scientists come forward to try to instill some sense into our policy makers. As one nuclear physicist said, "I am opposed to nuclear power in Bangladesh for a number of reasons." As we see it the problem is how to keep the politico-social do-gooders focused and not led astray by big promises for a nuclear power plant can do us no good. In the first place we cannot afford it even if we decide to take the risk. The cost of production is one factor as the cost of generating electricity is almost always higher than the cost of generating electricity from other fuel sources. And what about the technology? When we know nuclear power plants produce energy through a process called nuclear fission in which atoms are bombarded with neutrons, and that this process releases the heat that can generate massive amounts of electricity, the fact that it also produces waste that stays radioactive for decades cannot be ignored. Newer technology does not use plutonium. Are we to be offered that or one based on this trans-uranium element? There are many other factors for consideration too as nuclear power plants are not suitable for energy-hungry economies short of cash because they will require huge injections of capital long before the generation of electricity can begin. In addition projects of this type almost inevitably incur cost overruns. So why is it none of us is listening? Even if we ignore the potential danger from such a plant, the economic benefits are unlikely to be worth it. We therefore urge the government yet once again to rethink this decision before it is too late for no matter the sense of urgency they may feel about energy shortages and the need for new sources of energy, it is simply not worth it. Let this be one project that does not come about as the consequence of arrogance and faith in a technology that has already proven to be unworthy. That there is an urgent need for awakening in the people a greater awareness of what a nuclear energy programme can mean for us is clear. But if nuclear scientists and nuclear plant manufacturers still disregard the views of the people, it is time to take a referendum on this important issue that could one day, affect our lives in ways unexpected. Luring governments into thinking nuclear energy is the answer to their problems is not only immoral it is inexcusable given all the evidence against. The fact that only countries with a well-developed industrial base and capable of developing their own technology have been able to maintain their nuclear programmes, is another point to consider. And should Bangladesh go ahead and buy the technology, how can she be sure the supplier will not fail to deliver as has happened in other countries? SYLVIA MORTOZA E Mail : Syeda Zainah Binte Habib zainah@bdonline.com ----------------------- |
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