[🇧🇩] Civilian/Military Nuclear Program in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Joy denies graft in $12.65bi nuclear deal

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son and adviser on Tuesday described allegations of corruption involving the family in the 2015 awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract as "completely bogus" and a "smear campaign". Bangladesh's Anti Corruption Commission said on Monday

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Joy denies graft in $12.65bi nuclear deal
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 25, 2024 01:35
Updated :
Dec 25, 2024 01:35

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son and adviser on Tuesday described allegations of corruption involving the family in the 2015 awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract as "completely bogus" and a "smear campaign".

Bangladesh's Anti Corruption Commission said on Monday it had launched an enquiry into allegations of corruption, embezzlement and money laundering in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, backed by Russia's state-owned Rosatom.

A deal for two power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, was signed in 2015, reports bdnews24.com.

The commission has alleged that there were financial irregularities worth about $5 billion involving Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed and her niece and British treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, through offshore accounts.

Siddiq and Rosatom did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Siddiq had denied any involvement in the claims and that he had confidence in her. Siddiq would continue in her role, the spokesperson added.

In August, Bangladeshi media quoted Rosatam as rejecting an earlier media allegation of corruption, saying it was "committed to transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in all procurement processes".

Wazed, speaking on behalf of the family, said they were the targets of a political witch hunt in Bangladesh.

"These are completely bogus allegations and a smear campaign. My family nor I have ever been involved or taken any money from any government projects," he told Reuters from Washington, where he lives.

"It is not possible to siphon off billions from a $10 billion project. We also don't have any offshore accounts. I have been living in the US for 30 years, my aunt and cousins in the UK for a similar amount of time. We obviously have accounts here, but none of us have ever seen that kind of money."

Reuters could not contact Hasina, who has not been seen in public since fleeing to New Delhi in early August following a deadly uprising against her in Bangladesh. Since then, an interim government has been running the country.

The government in Dhaka said on Monday it had asked India to send Hasina back. New Delhi has confirmed the request but declined further comment.

Wazeb said the family had not made a decision on Hasina's return to Bangladesh and that New Delhi had not asked her to seek asylum elsewhere.​

 

[Saif]

RNPP: Rosatom threatens legal action over corruption claims

Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom has rejected media reports alleging corruption in the construction of a 2400 MW nuclear power plant in Bangladesh’s Pabna, calling them “provocative” and “false”. The company has threatened to take legal action ag

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

RNPP: Rosatom threatens legal action over corruption claims
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 24, 2024 23:27
Updated :
Dec 24, 2024 23:27

Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom has rejected media reports alleging corruption in the construction of a 2400 MW nuclear power plant in Bangladesh’s Pabna, calling them “provocative” and “false”.

The company has threatened to take legal action against the publications.

The reports were an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), which is being constructed with Russian technical and financial assistance and is expected to start generating electricity next year, Rosatom said in a statement on Tuesday.

The corruption allegations surfaced after reports claimed bribery involving the then-ruling Awami League government and several associates, according to bdnews24.com.

The Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, has launched an investigation, and a team has been tasked with probing the alleged Tk 590 billion scam, which may involve former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and her niece Tulip Siddiq. Tulip, a UK lawmaker, was questioned by British authorities regarding the issue, according to The Times.

The Times reported Tulip’s explanation about the Russia deal was accepted at face value and the fact that she held the meeting does not indicate that there is any kind of civil service investigation into her.​

 

[Saif]

Why nuclear energy makes sense for Bangladesh

Coal is responsible for approximately 24.6 deaths per TWh (terawatt hour) due to air pollution and occupational hazards.

www.thedailystar.net

Why nuclear energy makes sense for Bangladesh

Nuclear waste is a legitimate concern, but risks are often misunderstood. Photo: REUTERS

Dhaka, often grappling with poor air quality, has earned the grim distinction of having the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) score worldwide on several occasions over the last few months. The smog serves as a reminder of the environmental degradation driven by fossil fuels, the primary source of energy. While solar and wind power dominate discussions about cleaner alternatives, their limitations highlight the need for a more reliable solution. Nuclear energy, despite its efficiency and cleanliness, has been overshadowed by public fears and misconceptions. Regardless, nuclear power holds the potential to bridge the gap until solar and wind energy become more viable options in the long term or nuclear fusion is successfully achieved.

Public perception of nuclear energy has been shaped by historic disasters like Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011. While these incidents were catastrophic, they were the result of governance failures and outdated technology rather than inherent flaws in nuclear power. Modern reactors have revolutionised safety with passive cooling systems and fail-safe designs.

Coal is responsible for approximately 24.6 deaths per TWh (terawatt hour) due to air pollution and occupational hazards, while nuclear power accounts for just 0.07 deaths per TWh. This places nuclear energy on par with wind and solar power in terms of safety, or even safer. Yet, the fear of radiation and long-term waste persists, often overshadowing these statistics.

A significant apprehension is about the management of radioactive waste. Nuclear waste is a legitimate concern, but risks are often misunderstood. Technologies like the PUREX (Plutonium Uranium Redox Extraction) process enable the recycling of up to 95 percent of spent nuclear fuel, significantly reducing waste volume and toxicity. France reprocesses over 1,700 metric tonnes of spent fuel annually. Through recycling, the containment timeline for nuclear waste can be reduced from tens of thousands of years to approximately 500 years.

Despite these advancements, investment in nuclear fuel recycling remains limited. High initial costs and political hesitation have hindered its adoption in many countries. France's success with mixed oxide (MOX) fuel illustrates that, with proper funding and commitment, nuclear waste can be managed effectively while maximising energy output.

The global hesitation to embrace nuclear energy has been compounded by the fossil fuel industry. Using its significant economic clout, the industry seems to perpetuate myths about nuclear power to maintain its dominance in the market. This stagnation not only hinders nuclear innovation but also delays the broader transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Unlike renewables, nuclear energy provides a consistent power supply, operating all day everyday regardless of weather.

For Bangladesh, nuclear energy would be an opportunity to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce heavy reliance on natural gas and oil for electricity. As the country's natural gas reserves dwindle, the need for alternative energy sources becomes increasingly urgent. Bangladesh currently generates over 50 percent of its electricity from natural gas, but domestic reserves are projected to deplete within the next decade. This would place immense pressure on energy security and economic stability. Additionally, reliance on imported oil, subject to volatile global markets, further exacerbates the challenges of maintaining a stable energy supply.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) offers a viable path forward. Utilising VVER-1200 reactors, the plant is designed to produce 2,400MW of electricity, providing a clean and reliable energy source that can reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels. Beyond addressing immediate energy needs, nuclear power has the potential to support long-term economic growth by stabilising electricity costs and attracting investment in high-tech industries.

Bangladesh has made progress with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), adopting global best practices such as the Milestones Approach and Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Reviews. However, building indigenous expertise, enhancing legal frameworks, providing appropriate training, and ensuring long-term waste management are critical to sustainable nuclear development. Public communication is another area requiring attention, as transparent information about safety measures and environmental benefits can help dispel misconceptions and build trust in nuclear projects.

The urgency to adopt cleaner energy solutions has never been greater. Cities like Dhaka, plagued by toxic air, illustrate the dire consequences of continued reliance on fossil fuels. While solar and wind energy are indispensable to the global energy transition, their limitations necessitate the inclusion of nuclear power as a complementary solution. Investing in nuclear energy and addressing public fears can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Kazi Omar Farook Saneed is research assistant in the Department of Environmental Science and Management (DESM) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).​

 

[Saif]

DG of Rosatom to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, is arriving in Bangladesh tomorrow to discuss the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project with the interim government

www.thedailystar.net

DG of Rosatom to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow

Photo: Collected

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, is arriving in Bangladesh tomorrow to discuss the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project with the interim government.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain shared this information this evening while speaking as the chief guest at an event at the Russian House in the capital.

"We hope this visit will include discussions on the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction," he said.

He emphasised that the plant now stands as a landmark initiative in Russia-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation.

Touhid Hossain also acknowledged Russia's significant role in Bangladesh's progress and prosperity, highlighting that cooperation between the two nations began in 1970. Since then, their relationship has strengthened across various sectors, including education, culture, trade, science, information technology, defense, and security.

"We appreciate the Russian Federation as a friend and partner for its continued support in Bangladesh's development. We must continue working together to address regional and global challenges," he added.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Khazin remarked, "There are many Russian Houses worldwide, but Bangladesh's is special. Here, I have seen students learning the Russian language. This Russian House belongs to the youth of Bangladesh."

The event was also attended by Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka; Dr. Sayed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy; and other dignitaries. The program featured a cultural performance as well.​

 

[Saif]

Progress of Rooppur N-power plant to be reviewed as Rosatom DG due today

The first sustainable hospital wastewater treatment plant in the country was launched on Monday by icddr,b and partners, setting a new benchmark for environmental compliance. In a transformative step toward safeguarding public health and the environment, icddr,b, in partnership with the University

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Progress of Rooppur N-power plant to be reviewed as Rosatom DG due today
FE REPORT
Published :
Feb 26, 2025 08:16
Updated :
Feb 26, 2025 08:19

The first sustainable hospital wastewater treatment plant in the country was launched on Monday by icddr,b and partners, setting a new benchmark for environmental compliance.

In a transformative step toward safeguarding public health and the environment, icddr,b, in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and ITN-BUET under the leadership of Hospital Services Management at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has installed the service.

The first low-cost, sustainable hospital wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has been operationalised at the Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital (KBFGH) in Uttara, Dhaka.

Funded by the Integrated Health Science Research and Development Fund under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), this innovative plant meets the effluent quality requirements of the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR) 2023, fulfilling the environment ministry's mandate for hospitals to adopt effluent treatment systems.

Despite the requirement to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), no hospital in Dhaka currently operates compliant systems, such as secondary treatment plants or functional ETPs.

Most rely on outdated methods like septic tanks or anaerobic baffled reactors which are non-functional or inadequately maintained, failing to meet regulatory or public health standards, according to an icddr,b statement.

This gap has allowed untreated wastewater laden with pathogens, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and hazardous chemicals to pollute communities, exacerbating disease transmission and environmental harm.

The newly operational 24 Kilolitres Per Day (KLD) Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)-based WWTP at KBFGH employs a six-stage treatment process to produce reusable water for gardening, cleaning, and non-potable uses, said icddr,b.

Rigorous testing confirmed 100 percent removal of faecal pathogens (E. coli), AMR bacteria (ESBL E. coli), Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella typhi, along with 99 percent reduction of Rotavirus A and full compliance with ECR 2023 standards with respect to other parameters.

The system's compact design, low operational costs, and ease of management by a single operator position it as a scalable solution for hospitals across Bangladesh and other low-resource settings.​

 

[Saif]

Rooppur power plant: Govt eyes quick completion

The total cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is Tk 1,14,225 crore, with the majority financed by Russia.

www.thedailystar.net

Rooppur power plant: Govt eyes quick completion
Project gets highest allocation in revised budget; MRT, Matarbari also on priority list

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has seen the highest allocation for a single project in the revised Annual Development Plan as the interim government wants to make it operational as quickly as possible.

The government approved the Tk 2,16,000 crore revised ADP for FY25 last week, downsized by Tk 49,000 crore from the original one.

The Rooppur power station and related projects have been allocated Tk 11,899 crore, including Tk 9,454 crore for the power plant alone. The allocation for these projects was Tk 10,502 crore in the original ADP.

The total cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is Tk 1,14,225 crore, with the majority financed by Russia. Around Tk 75,000 crore was spent from the total cost as of June last year.

Five other projects related to the electricity line, high frequency telecommunications system, and water supply for the power plant received a combined allocation of Tk 2,424 crore in the revised ADP, up from the original allocation of Tk 2,226 crore.

The total cost of the five projects is Tk 17,471 crore, of which Tk 6,792 crore was spent as of June last year.

These include a Tk 10,981 crore power evacuation line funded under an Indian line of credit (LoC). As of June 2024, about Tk 5,242 crore was spent from the total cost. In the revised ADP, the project received Tk 648 crore against the original Tk 838 crore.

A joint India-Bangladesh review on Wednesday and Thursday found the implementation of the projects under the Indian lines of credit to be slow. However, the Rooppur power evacuation line project has seen fast implementation.

According to the original project proposal, unit-1 of the power plant was supposed to go into operation in December 2022, unit-2 in October 2023 and the entire project was scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025.

The construction of unit-1 formally started in November 2017 and unit-2 in July 2018.

However, implementation has been delayed due to several reasons and now the government is expecting to complete it by December 2027.

Project officials said they were planning to start the test run of the 1,200MW unit-1 by this year and go for commercial production in the first half of next year.

Russia's state corporation for nuclear energy Rosatom is implementing the Rooppur project.

In a meeting with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev in Dhaka towards the end of last month, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus emphasised the timely completion of the project to meet Bangladesh's growing energy needs.

"We are looking forward to your support, which is very important to us," Prof Yunus told the Rrosatom director general, according to a media statement from the Chief Adviser's Office.

Earlier in January, Finance and Science and Technology Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told The Daily Star that the interim government was committed to completing the Rooppur power plant project. "We have been prioritising the project for its quick implementation," he said.

Rooppur is among the top 15 projects that received a total allocation of Tk 44,822 crore in the revised ADP.

Besides Rooppur, Matarbari coal-fired power plant project has seen a rise in allocation in the revised ADP, from Tk 6,105 crore to Tk 7,050 crore. It is the second highest allocation for a single project in the revised ADP.

The 600MW unit-1 of the Matarbari plant, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), has been commercially operational while the second unit with the same capacity is undergoing test runs.

The total cost of the power plant project is Tk 56,693 crore, of which about Tk 44,000 crore was spent as of June last year.

The allocations for most other projects have been cut as their implementation has been hampered due to political unrest in the country since the start of this fiscal year.

Three more projects currently underway at Matarbari in Maheshkhali for the development of a deep sea port have been allocated a total of Tk 5,139 crore in the revised ADP against the original allocation of Tk 8,758 crore.

Planning ministry officials said the fund cut for the three projects was high because of slow implementation. The total cost of the three projects approved in 2020 is Tk 48,762 crore, of which Tk 1,601 crore has been spent so far.

Three other Jica-funded projects on Dhaka's transport system have received large allocations in the revised ADP. They are MRT-6, MRT-1 and MRT-5 with a combined total cost of Tk 1,28,687 crore.

They have been allocated Tk 4,552 crore in the revised ADP against Tk 6,537 crore allocated in the original one.

MRT-6 has already been operational from Uttara to Motijheel, while the construction of its extension from Motijheel to Kamalapur is underway.

This project has been allocated Tk 1,641 crore in the revised ADP.

The estimated cost for MRT-1 is Tk 53,972 crore, and as of June last year, Tk 2,469 crore has been spent.

In the revised ADP, Tk 2,043 crore has been allocated for the project.

MRT-1 will run from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kamalapur via Purbachal with parts of the line to be built underground.

MRT-5 northern route, which will connect Hemayetpur of Savar with Bhatara in the capital via Gabtoli, Mirpur, and Gulshan, will be implemented at a total cost of Tk 41,238 crore. So far, Tk 4,063 crore has been spent for the project.

In the revised ADP, MRT-5 has seen a slightly reduced allocation of Tk 868 crore from the original Tk 968 crore.

The allocation for Shahjalal airport's Jica-funded third terminal has remained unchanged at Tk 3,535 crore.

Another Jica-funded project, Jamuna Rail Bridge, has received Tk 2,337 crore in the revised ADP.

Three China-funded projects are also on the list of projects with large allocations in the revised ADP.

Of them, the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway project saw a slight cut in allocation and received Tk 3,663 crore in the revised ADP.

Its total cost is Tk 17,553 crore, of which Tk 8,691 crore was spent as of June last year.

The two other China-funded projects, which are related to strengthening power lines, received Tk 4,625 crore combinedly in the revised ADP while the original allocation was Tk 7,039 crore.

The combined cost for the two projects is Tk 34,794 crore, of which Tk 15,986 crore was spent until June last year.​

 

[Saif]

No more cost and time overruns

Govt must quickly complete Rooppur and other important projects

www.thedailystar.net

No more cost and time overruns
Govt must quickly complete Rooppur and other important projects

It is encouraging that the government has prioritised the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project in its revised Annual Development Plan. The project has received the highest allocation for a single project in the revised ADP, as the government wants to make it operational as quickly as possible. After Rooppur, the Matarbari coal-fired power plant project has received the second-highest allocation. Three other Jica-funded projects on Dhaka's transport system—MRT-6, MRT-1, and MRT-5—have also received large allocations in the revised ADP. However, the allocations for most other projects have been cut as their implementation have been slow or hampered due to political unrest in the country.

The timely completion of the Rooppur and Matarbari projects is crucial to meeting the country's growing energy demands. According to the original project proposal for Rooppur, Unit-1 of the power plant was supposed to go into operation in December 2022, Unit-2 in October 2023, and the entire project was scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025. However, implementation has been delayed for several reasons—with the government now wanting to complete it by December 2027. Reportedly, the total cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is Tk 1,14,225 crore, with the majority financed by Russia. As of June last year, around Tk 75,000 crore had been spent from the total cost. In the revised ADP for FY25, the government approved Tk 2,16,000 crore for the project. Five other projects related to the electricity line, high-frequency telecommunications system, and water supply for the power plant also received an increased allocation.

The government must ensure that the funds are spent transparently, without corruption or irregularities. During the previous regime, excessive amounts were spent on purchasing furniture and other items for the officials and employees of the project, and the salaries fixed for them were also unusually high. We hope that such irregularities will not be repeated and that those involved in misconduct will be brought to book. This will set a precedent in a country where development projects are often mired in corruption.

Additionally, the government must ensure that this and other megaprojects do not cause any harm to the environment. Many of the country's megaprojects were undertaken by the previous government without conducting proper feasibility studies or obtaining the necessary environmental clearances. Going forward, we must move away from such poor practices. Finally, implementing these projects within the stipulated time and budget is crucial to preventing the misuse and waste of public funds.​

 

[Saif]

IAEA conducts pre-operational review of Rooppur power plant

The team will inspect all the safety issues of the plant's structural, technical and equipment-related preparation and documentation

www.thedailystar.net

IAEA conducts pre-operational review of Rooppur power plant

Photo Courtesy- Sujon/Wikipedia

An expert team was in Bangladesh on Monday to sign off on the South Asian country's first nuclear power plant in Rooppur ahead of the facility's expected operational start later this year.

Construction on the Russia-backed nuclear plant at Rooppur began in 2017 during the tenure of former premier Sheikh Hasina, whose family has been accused of taking kickbacks from the deal.

The much-delayed 2,400-megawatt project is aimed at bolstering an overstretched energy grid and will be Bangladesh's largest power station by generating capacity once fully operational.

A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was onsite Monday to conduct a pre-operational safety review of the plant, project director Md. Zahedul Hassan told AFP.

"The team will inspect all the safety issues of the plant's structural, technical and equipment-related preparation and documentation as per the IAEA's safety standards," he said.

Hassan said a further, final safety review would be held two to three months before the loading of nuclear fuel into the plant's twin reactors, expected in the middle of this year.

Transmission lines needed to connect the plant to the national grid are expected to be finished by the end of this month, he added.

The Rooppur plant was the most expensive infrastructure project undertaken by Hasina -- a $12.65 billion project, 90 percent funded by a loan from Moscow.

After Hasina's ouster in a student-led revolution last year, the interim government that replaced her launched a probe into the project's finances.x​