RNPP project turns into cross-cultural landmark
Three years ago, Russian engineer Artem Matyukhin made the decision to leave his hometown near the Ural Mountains and come to riverine Bangladesh for work. His well-wishers got surprised hearing upon the news.
However, Russian engineer was hopeful about the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project. At present, more than 5,000 Russian engineers, nuclear specialists, technicians, and their family members staying in Bangladesh who has been working for the Rooppur project.
They now make up nearly 20 percent of the local population. Yet their presence is not limited to the project site alone their arrival has transformed the region’s economy and way of life.
Another foreigner who working in Rooppur project, Artem Matyukhin told The New Nation, “When I got the opportunity to work at Rooppur, my friends and relatives all asked why Bangladesh? But after arriving here, I was amazed.
The natural beauty of this country is extraordinary, the people are warm and welcoming, and I found a new world of friendship a bond between Russians and Bangladeshis. I have no regrets about coming here.”
Located about 160 kilometers from Dhaka, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is being built by Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
Since construction of the two-unit project began in 2017, the surrounding region has undergone a remarkable transformation. Gradually, it has evolved into a vibrant residential hub for Russian engineers and specialists, known locally as “Little Russia.”
Many local business owners have learned basic Russian phrases, while others use translation apps to communicate smoothly with Russian customers. As a result, the language barrier has narrowed, creating a unique social and cultural bridge between the two communities.
Elena Toshchakova, who comes from Voronezh and teaches children of Russian families living in Rooppur, said: “Bangladeshis are incredibly sincere and friendly. They speak with smiles and even try to learn our language it is truly touching.”
Whenever she misses home, she cooks traditional Russian dishes such as borscht and pelmeni. But she does not dwell on homesickness for long. “Here, I have found new friends and gained new experiences.
That is my greatest reward,” she said. Dr. Jayedul Hasan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited, said that “Through employment generation, infrastructure development, business expansion, improvements in healthcare, and better transportation systems, this project has significantly changed the socio-economic landscape of the region. Bangladesh has never before witnessed such a large gathering of foreign nuclear experts in its history.” Since Bangladesh’s independence, relations between Russia and Bangladesh have remained warm and cooperative. The Rooppur project has now become a modern symbol of that historic friendship.
