Pabna Correspondent :
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is an environment-friendly project, as it generates electricity without using fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas and does not emit harmful greenhouse gases. As a result, it will play a supportive role in combating climate change while effectively contributing to the reduction of air pollution. By following the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and using modern VVER-1200 reactor technology, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is ensuring the highest level of safety. Consequently, there is no risk of harm to agriculture, fisheries, or the natural environment.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has already begun to play an important role in improving the standard of living of the local population. Along with the construction of the power plant, local residents are experiencing its positive impacts in their daily lives and have been able to adapt to the project.
These statements were presented at an exchange-of-views meeting held with local residents on Saturday morning, organised by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL). With the aim of raising awareness at the local level and strengthening engagement with marginal communities, the meeting was held at the premises of the Roads and Highways Department inspection bungalow on Pakshi Road. Around three hundred local farmers, fishermen, teachers, mosque imams, and priests participated in the event. Alongside the discussion session, documentaries from different countries were screened, followed by open discussions, a question-and-answer session, a quiz competition, and a raffle draw.
The meeting was chaired by Sub-Project Director Dr. Khalekuzzaman. The Chief Guest was Dr. Zayedul Hasan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited. Special guests included Additional Superintendent of Police (Ishwardi Circle) Pranab Kumar, Project Chief Superintendent Mushfika Ahmed, and Deputy Chief Superintendent and Head of the Physical Protection Department S. M. Mahmud Arafat. The program was moderated by Scientific Officer Rabiul Hasan.
In his speech, Chief Guest Dr. Zayedul Hasan stated that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will ensure Bangladesh’s energy security and serve as a reliable and carbon-free source of electricity alongside renewable energy. He added that it is one of the safest nuclear power plants in the world, where no heat or carbon emissions occur during electricity generation. Therefore, there will be no harm to agriculture, fisheries, or the environment. He also mentioned that the water vapor emitted from the cooling towers is not harmful to the environment. Emphasizing the importance of long-term fuel security, he said the Rooppur project is extremely significant.
Preparations are underway for the physical startup of the project with the highest priority given to safety, security, and safeguards.
After the meeting, Mufti Oliullah, Imam of Ishwardi Central Jame Mosque, said there had been concerns that the area would become uninhabitable due to excessive heat once the power plant became operational. He said, “Through today’s meeting, those misconceptions have been dispelled. Now we feel safe.” He also expressed the need for organizing more such awareness programs.
Local resident of the Rooppur area and retired school teacher Amirul Islam said that many people had believed the area would become unlivable once the project was launched. He expressed relief at being freed from those misconceptions through the discussions. He emphasized the need to regularly organize such exchange meetings by engaging local people more extensively. He further noted that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has already been playing a significant role in improving local living standards, creating employment opportunities, and expanding trade and commerce.
