News Analysis: Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: A Visionary Achievement of The Government
The government’s bold and far-sighted initiative to establish the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has reached a historic milestone.
On April 28, 2026, the loading of nuclear fuel officially began in the first unit of the plant, marking Bangladesh’s triumphant entry into the nuclear power age.
This landmark project stands as a shining example of the government’s strong political will and strategic vision for a self-reliant and energy-secure Bangladesh.
The foundation of this achievement was laid through a major agreement signed with Russia on 25 December 2015.
In a significant recent development, Russia has shown continued strong support for the project.
In February 2025, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and agreed to extend the loan disbursement period by two years until the end of 2026.
This flexible approach has greatly helped overcome delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and international banking restrictions.
On April 28, 2026, Alexey Likhachev again held high-level discussions with Bangladeshi leaders, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the successful and timely completion of the project.
Once both units are fully operational, the 2,400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will deliver reliable, clean, and affordable electricity to millions of Bangladeshi households and industries.
This stable power supply will dramatically reduce load-shedding, accelerate industrial growth, create thousands of jobs, and significantly boost the national economy.
The total project cost stands at approximately $12.65 billion, with Russia providing a generous soft loan covering 90 per cent of the amount under highly favorable terms.
The government’s prudent diplomacy in securing these flexible loan conditions reflects excellent economic management.
The successful implementation of the Rooppur project is a testament to the government’s determination to build a modern, technologically advanced Bangladesh.
It reflects a clear commitment to long-term national development and energy security.
This is undoubtedly one of the most significant and visionary infrastructure initiatives in the history of independent Bangladesh.
