Bangla Press Desk: Uranium fuel loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was physically launched on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s energy and technology sectors.
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam formally inaugurated the fuel loading at a grand event held at the project site in Ishwardi, Pabna. Policymakers, senior government officials, international partners and nuclear experts attended the programme.
Speakers at the event said reaching this stage after a long wait represents a significant step forward in the country’s scientific and technological progress.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad said the Rooppur project is not merely a power plant but a practical example of international cooperation that has significantly enhanced Bangladesh’s technological capabilities.
“The project is laying a strong foundation for building a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy,” he said.
He noted that the project has been implemented through a combination of Russian financing, technical support and bilateral cooperation, alongside assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
Officials highlighted the roles of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission in technical leadership and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority in regulatory oversight, particularly in maintaining safety, security and safeguards.
Director General of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, said the project would place Bangladesh among countries recognised for the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
He said construction work continued uninterrupted despite the pandemic, global uncertainties and internal challenges, and the project is now approaching completion.
Work on the second unit is progressing with the installation of pipelines and pumping equipment, while trial operations are expected to begin next year, he added. He also noted that coordination between Russian and Bangladeshi regulatory bodies has ensured compliance with international safety standards.
On human resource development, Mr Likhachev said more than 900 Bangladeshi students have received advanced nuclear education at Russian universities under Rosatom programmes, many of whom are already engaged in the project. Plans are also in place to develop over 1,100 skilled professionals to operate the plant and ensure safety.
Science and Technology Secretary Anwar Hossain said the project, launched in 2017, is now taking full shape, with rapid progress achieved in recent months through the installation of key equipment.
He added that equal importance has been given to developing skilled manpower alongside infrastructure construction.
Speakers at the event said the Rooppur plant is expected to add a significant amount of electricity to the national grid, supporting industrialisation, economic growth and strengthening energy security.
They also described nuclear energy as a long-term, environmentally friendly source of power with a potential lifespan of nearly a century.
The inauguration of fuel loading marks the final stage before electricity generation at Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
