[🇧🇩] Civilian/Military Nuclear Program in Bangladesh

[Saif]

রূপপুর পারমাণবিক বিদ্যুৎ কেন্দ্রের নিরাপত্তা বলয় সম্পর্কে জানলে চমকে উঠবেন

 

[Saif]

Construction, installation work done

The construction and installation works at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) have been completed, Russia's state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom said in a statement on Wednesday. The personnel of the RNPP has started a large-scale test programme for physical start-up, s

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1
Construction, installation work done
M Azizur Rahman
Published :
Dec 20, 2024 01:18
Updated :
Dec 20, 2024 01:18

The construction and installation works at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) have been completed, Russia's state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom said in a statement on Wednesday.

The personnel of the RNPP has started a large-scale test programme for physical start-up, said the statement. The first stage of operation began to bring the reactor plant to the rated parameters on December 18, it said.

During this stage, the operability of equipment and mechanisms will be tested. The reactor coolant pumps (RPC) will be launched and tested for the first time. The reactor plant will be tested at the rated parameters without nuclear fuel. Once the compliance of the equipment with all the design parameters is confirmed, the unit will be ready for the start-up operations, said the statement.

"We have entered the final preparation of Rooppur NPP Unit- 1 for the physical start-up. This is an important stage where we must carry out a large scope of work and tests to prove the operability of the process systems in all the operating modes," said Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy of Rosatom and President of ASE.

"We fulfill all our obligations and guarantee the reliability and safety of our technologies. The first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh will support the country's economy and will work for the benefit of its future generations," he said.

Commissioning of RNPP will ensure supply of environmentally-friendly and safe energy providing for around 10 per cent of the total energy consumption in Bangladesh, the Rosatom statement said.

But the commissioning of the RNPP will face delays as the construction work of the required transmission line to evacuate electricity from the RNPP is not yet completed, said a senior official of Bangladesh's state-run Power Grid Company Bangladesh (PGCB).

Although the construction and installation work have been completed, the commissioning of the RNPP will not be possible without the transmission line, he said.

Building around 16 kilometer (km) of transmission lines over two major rivers - 9.0 km over the Jamuna River and 7.0 km over the Padma River - might be completed within the next several months, he said.

Maintaining frequency in the power transmission system from the RNPP project will be the biggest challenge after completion of the river-crossing power transmission lines, he said.

Fuel loading in the unit will start once construction of the transmission line is complete, the official added.

The PGCB official said that the construction work of the transmission line was halted during mid-July when the mighty river saw huge flow of water. After mid-July, the construction work ceased again due to the mass uprising that toppled the Awami League government on August 5, he said.

The RNPP equipped with two Russian VVER-1200 reactors having the total capacity of 2400 MW is being constructed at Ishwardi upazila in Pabna in accordance with General Contract signed on December 25, 2015.

The VVER-1200 reactors belong to evolutionary Generation III+ design which fully complies with all the international safety requirements. Engineering Division of Rosatom is the General Designer and General Contractor of the Rooppur project.​

 

[Saif]

ACC opens probe into alleged Rooppur nuclear project graft

Information from various open sources stated that the aforementioned project has been marred by financial irregularities amounting to about $5 billion.

en.prothomalo.com

ACC opens probe into alleged Rooppur nuclear project graft
BSS
Dhaka
Updated: 23 Dec 2024, 18: 36

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an enquiry into allegations of corruption, embezzlement and money laundering involved in Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.

A special team of five ACC officials are conducting the entire enquiry, according to an ACC report titled 'A summary on alleged corruption and embezzlement in Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project'.

Information from various open sources stated that the aforementioned project has been marred by financial irregularities amounting to about $5 billion.

The report implicates ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed (Joy) and niece Tulip Siddiq embezzled $5 Billion from overpriced $12.65 billion Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

It is alleged that these individuals siphoned offs substantial sums of money through various offshore accounts in Malaysia, following questionable procurement practices related to the overpriced construction of the entire Nuclear Plant.

It has also been stated that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project, which was initially launched with the noble goal of addressing Bangladesh's growing energy needs, now appears to be overshadowed by these serious allegations, the ACC report said.

The claims of kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and potential abuse of power raise significant concerns about the integrity of the project and the use of public funds.

The allegations of corruption against Tulip Siddiq's family members:

Tulip's paternal uncle, Tarique Ahmed Siddique, is the Security Advisor to the deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister, his wife and daughter are stakeholders in a fake company named Prochchaya Limited (Incorporation Certificate Number C-75659/09, dated 25 March 2009).

This company, in affiliation with a cheat fund company named Destiny Group, had laundered around $900 million to different countries, including the United Kingdom and has opened a company named Zumana Investment & Properties Limited [Incorporation Certificate Number 7417417, dated 25 October 2010] in the United Kingdom by investigating dirty money, the ACC said.

Various newspapers claim in the UK and worldwide that Labour Party MP Tulip Siddiq has maintained discreet connections with Moscow since she met President Putin.

Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Joy launder $300m to US:

According to other allegation, the name of Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed (Joy) first came up as a money laundering suspect in the United States versus Rizvi Ahmed case in 2014.

Later, a probe conducted by a powerful US intelligence agency uncovered serious financial scams involving Sajeeb Wazed.

It has also noted that in particular, information emerged that money was being laundered from various offshore bank accounts in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands in his name to various bank accounts in Washington and New York in the United States and London in the United Kingdom through a local money exchange entity.

The US intelligence agency also confirmed the matter through their London representative and found evidence of serious financial irregularities and money laundering committed by Sajeeb Wazed.

It has also mentioned that Linda Samuels, Senior Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice, contacted Special Agent La Prevot and found that $300 million was deposited from Bangladesh to various bank accounts in the United States, the report said.

Moreover, the commission has initiated a new enquiry into Tk 800 billion corruption allegations against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and Rehana's daughter and British minister Tulip Siddiq.

The alleged corruption involving Tk 800 billion occurred in nine projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Special Ashrayan Project during the Awami League government between 2009 and 2023, according to the allegation.

Recently, the special enquiry team has collected the preliminary identity documents from Election Commission office and from Immigration and Passport Department.

A special requisition report has been sent to Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) for supplying relevant documents and statements of offshore bank accounts running by the name of the suspected persons, according to the ACC report.​

 

[Saif]

Rooppur power plant: Tulip quizzed in UK over graft allegations

UK Treasury’s Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq has been questioned by a Cabinet Office team on graft accusations brought by Bangladesh authorities.

www.thedailystar.net

Rooppur power plant: Tulip quizzed in UK over graft allegations

UK Treasury's Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq has been questioned by a Cabinet Office team on graft accusations brought by Bangladesh authorities.

Tulip, niece of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, agreed to attend a meeting with a representative of the propriety and ethics team (PET), reports the Sunday Times.

On Thursday, she welcomed the official to her office and gave her response to allegations that she helped her family embezzle up to £3.9 billion from the Russia-backed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project.

Her explanation about the Russia deal was accepted at face value and the fact that her holding the meeting does not indicate that there is any kind of civil service investigation into her, the Sunday Times said.

According to the report, the Cabinet Office said: "As previously stated, the minister has denied any involvement."

Tulip, who represents the constituency of Hampstead & Highgate, was unavailable for comments.

As economic secretary to the Treasury, she is responsible for tackling corruption in the UK's financial markets.

Daughter of Sheikh Rehana, Tulip is accused of helping her aunt Hasina broker a corrupt deal with Russia for the £10 billion Rooppur plant in 2013.

The same year she posed for a picture with Russian President Vladimir Putin and her aunt at a signing ceremony for the deal, the report said.

Citing sources close to her, the Sunday Times said allegations that she co-ordinated meetings between Bangladeshi and Russian officials are "trumped-up charges" and "completely politically motivated".

She is said to have repeated this view — and her belief that she is the victim of a "political hit job" — during her discussion with the PET official.

According to a source, she explained that she visited Moscow more than a decade ago to see her aunt because it was easier to fly to Russia than Bangladesh.

However, on Saturday the Daily Mail said that fresh questions had been raised over a $1 billion arms deal that was also signed at the meeting, the Sunday Times reported.

It also mentioned that the Mail said Hasina signed a deal for a $1 billion loan to Bangladesh to buy Russian weapons and military equipment.

Tulip was a Labour councillor at the time and became an MP in 2015. A party spokesman told the Mail: "The dealings of two countries from two years before Tulip became an MP have absolutely nothing to do with her."

Tulip, 42, has previously said that she only posed for Putin after he said: "Is your family here? I'd like a picture."

The Mail on Sunday reported that Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had a team of five officials gathering "documentary evidence" relating to Tulip and others, and was likely to write to them within weeks.

Depending on Tulip's response, investigators will decide whether to issue first information reports, which would make her an official suspect.

It is understood that Tulip has not yet been contacted by any of the relevant authorities, the Sunday Times reports.

A source told the British newspaper that officials were nervous about the potential for further embarrassment arising from her close relationship with Hasina, who, since being ousted, has been accused of crimes against humanity, including killing hundreds of protesters. Hasina fled to India in August following an uprising.

Tulip does not deny being close to Hasina, and previously praised her aunt as a "great role model", Sunday Times mentioned in its report.​

 

[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​

 

[Saif]

রূপপুর পারমাণবিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্র পরীক্ষামূলক চালু শিগগির ​

 

[Saif]

Gridline woes delay Rooppur Power Plant launch

The issue was highlighted during an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection in March

www.thedailystar.net

Gridline woes delay Rooppur Power Plant launch

Photo of ongoing construction work with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in the backdrop taken from Veramara point of the river Padma in the Kushtia side. Photo: Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu/Star

The commissioning of Bangladesh's first-ever nuclear power plant at Rooppur faces delays due to incomplete gridline work, particularly the crucial 2-km stretch over the mighty Padma river.

The issue was highlighted during an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection in March, which identified 17 areas requiring updates to meet operational standards.

The inspection team identified 17 areas that need to be developed to meet the desired standards, including the completion of a 2-kilometre gridline over the Padma river for the operational phase of the first unit of the 2,400-megawatt nuclear power plant, according to a top official of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).

He said other notable areas needing updates include the internal fire extinguishing system and waste management inside the facility. The rest of the issues are not that serious and can easily be updated, he added.

"The recent visit of the IAEA's team has inspired us, as we have received directions to develop different sectors. We are working to complete the necessary tasks," Dr Zahedul Hasan, project director of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, told The Daily Star.

Photo: ROSATOM

He said the inspection team expressed satisfaction with 24 areas in their findings. However, for the commissioning of the first unit, completing the gridline work is a major task ahead.

"We need to complete the gridline work, including the 2-km river crossing line in the Padma, for the necessary tests for the physical start-up of Unit-1," said Dr Zahedul.

A total of 669 km of grid lines, including 16km of river crossing lines across both the Padma and Jamuna rivers, is required for power transmission to the national grid from the country's first nuclear power plant.

Line construction on plain land is almost complete, but major work on the river crossing lines over the Padma and Jamuna rivers has seen slow progress. Dr Hasan said 94 percent of the physical work of Unit-1 has already been completed.

Engineer Md Delwar Hossain, project director of the river crossing transmission line for the Rooppur project, said they expect to complete the Padma crossing line by May.

"Ninety percent of the work on the Padma has already been completed. We have completed piling work on two towers in the river, and construction on two towers on the banks of the river has started. We expect to complete the entire river crossing line within May," said Delwar.

Photo: Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu/Star

He said after completing the river crossing line, the Rooppur-Gopalganj grid line will be connected to the power plant.

He attributed delays in river-crossing gridline work to funding problems, lack of equipment support, and excessive flooding last year. However, the gridline work on plain land has already been completed.

"We are optimistic about finishing the 144km Rooppur-Gopalganj gridline work by May to June this year," said Delwar.

Dr Zahedul said the physical start-up and pre-inspection by the IAEA's Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) depend on completing the gridline.

The IAEA's OSART programme assists member states in strengthening the safety of their nuclear power plants during commissioning and operation by comparing actual practices with IAEA safety standards.

"If the gridline work is completed within June, we will need another three to four months to go for the physical start-up of Unit-1 in October," he said.

He said they would invite the OSART team for pre-inspection once the gridline is completed. "We are unable to fix an OSART pre-inspection team due to repeated delays in gridline work," said the RNPP project director.

He mentioned running a series of tests through the 400kV Bogura-Rooppur grid line to reach the physical start-up stage.

"Recently, we completed a test in the primary circuit of Unit-1 with 24.5-megapixel pressure. This is one of the biggest tests before the physical start-up of the plant," the project director added.

The 2,400MW power plant is being built in the Rooppur area of Pabna district for $12.65 billion, with Russia providing 90 percent of the project's funding as a loan.

Russian state-owned Rosatom is constructing the power plant with two VVER-1200 reactors, each having a capacity of 1,200 MW.

Construction of Unit-1 formally began on November 30, 2017, and Unit-2 on July 14, 2018.

According to the original project proposal, Unit-1 was to be operational by December 23, 2022, and Unit-2 by October 8, 2023, with the entire project scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025.

However, the project deadline was extended by two years, rescheduling the commissioning of Unit-1 to December 2024.

Dr Md Shafiqul Islam, professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Dhaka University, said, "The project has been delayed due to several inter-related factors, including incomplete safety tests and compliance procedures required for power start-up, uncertainty regarding actual project costs impacting the finalization of the power purchase agreement, lack of necessary gridlines, the preparedness of certified reactor operators, and the absence of an established emergency preparedness and response centre."

He, however, expressed hope that all these issues would be resolved before the physical start-up.​

 

[Saif]

Salaries stalled for Atomic Energy Commission staff

The staff of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has not received salaries and other payments after February this year, apparently owing to some disagreement between the science and technology ministry and the commission over the method of fund disbursement...

www.newagebd.net

Salaries stalled for Atomic Energy Commission staff
Staff Correspondent 20 April, 2025, 23:39

The staff of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has not received salaries and other payments after February this year, apparently owing to some disagreement between the science and technology ministry and the commission over the method of fund disbursement.

Pensions have not been paid either to the retired officials of the agency during this time.

A high official of the commission, seeking anonymity, said that they last received salaries in February and had not received any salary or Eid bonus since then.

The official said that the Ministry of Science and Technology used to send the allocated budget to the commission’s account, through which salaries and pensions were disbursed.

The official said that the ministry now wanted to disburse the payments through the Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) software, which the commission had not agreed to, leading the ministry to halt the release of funds.

The official also said that the ministry last released the allocated budget in December 2024, and employees were paid salaries of up to the month of February using the surplus funds.

The commission currently has 2,460 employees, including 600 scientists.

Besides, over 1,300 retirees are under its current payroll.

Commission chairman Md Quamrul Huda and science and technology ministry senior secretary Md Mokabbir Hossain could not be reached for comments.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission was established by the Presidential Order 15 of 1973 as a multidisciplinary research and development organisation.​