Officials Acknowledge Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a “Historic Milestone” Toward Energy Security

❐ Staff Reporter

Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain said, “Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is a historic milestone in ensuring the country’s energy security. This project is a very timely and first-of-its-kind initiative for the country.”

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Basic Professional Training Course organized by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) on Sunday.

The project of the Awami League government, which has been widely criticized by the opposition political parties including BNP-Jamaat for many years, and former BNP Secretary General and current President Mirza Fakhrul also strongly opposed the project, saying that Sheikh Hasina has pushed Bangladesh to the risk of a nuclear accident, has now come to light in the statements of these government bureaucrats, showing how important that project is for the country and the nation.

The Science Secretary said that the first criticality of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was successfully achieved on October 11 and it will play a role in meeting the country’s electricity demand by connecting it to the national grid very soon.

He placed special emphasis on enriching the country’s young scientists and engineers with international-standard experience.

He further said that in the nuclear sector, production is not the only thing that matters; its operation, regulation and safety are of utmost importance. Therefore, the highest safety culture must be developed at both the institutional and operational levels.

Addressing the trainees (young scientists and engineers) at the event, the secretary said that they should make full use of the knowledge and experience of IAEA experts and enhance their skills without any hesitation or hesitation. He expressed hope that this training program will play a unique role in enhancing the capacity of the country’s nuclear sector and building a sustainable future.

In his speech, the Science Secretary set a target of producing 3 to 5 international standard regulators from BAIRA every year in the next 3 to 5 years, who will contribute to the country’s domestic work as well as international nuclear power plants and research organizations.

During the four-week training program, four officials from the IAEA and local scientists and experts will provide training.

The event was attended by 40 trainees (young scientists and engineers) from various levels of Bayera, Bayek and NPCBL, along with high-ranking officials from the concerned departments.

It is worth noting that the Basic Professional Training Course started on October 18th and will continue until November 12th.

‘He who has merit has no name’

The leadership, planning, and international cooperation behind the implementation of this power plant are largely from the time of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Awami League government signed an agreement with Russia for a nuclear power project in 2011. Construction formalities began in 2013. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself inaugurated the main construction work of the plant in 2017.

The project was made possible with 93 percent loan assistance (about $11.38 billion) from the Russian state-owned company Rosatom. This is the largest economic and technical agreement in the history of Bangladesh. However, even though the electricity is now connected to the national grid, these histories are being covered up.

The interim government led by Dr. Yunus and the current BNP government are avoiding Sheikh Hasina’s leadership regarding the project. There is no statement from any department including the Ministry of Science, Ministry of Power and Energy, Power Development Division – when and by whom the project was started.

A senior engineer on the project, who did not wish to be named, said, “The history of a world-class project should not be truncated. It is not the achievement of any party, but a national asset—but history cannot be erased.”

According to analysts, the successful implementation of major projects is as much a matter of technology and economic capability as it is the result of political leadership and diplomatic relations. The Rooppur center is the biggest example of this.

Analysts believe that such bold and far-sighted decisions by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government in the power and energy sectors will take Bangladesh far ahead in energy security, efficiency, and industrialization in the future.