End uncertainty around Rooppur Nuclear project

Most of the mega-projects undertaken during the previous Awami League government have now become a burden. Even after some projects have been completed, they are not yielding the expected benefits. For instance, the Karnaphuli Tunnel. Additionally, for many of the mega-projects, the government cannot predict when they will be completed. One such expensive project is the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

According to news reports published on Tuesday (January 28), it has been revealed that the construction of the grid lines is proceeding at a snail pace. The production timeline is being delayed, and loan repayments are also on hold. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project in Ishwardi, Pabna, has already faced criticism for excessive costs, mismanagement, irregularities in recruitment, promotions, and other issues. Now, political changes have added to the uncertainty surrounding the project.

The work on this project, with technical and financial cooperation from Russia, began in 2011. Although the final handover was initially set for October 17, 2025, the project's deadline was extended by two years to 2027 in February of last year. The estimated cost for the construction of two units is 1,320 crore USD, 90 per cent of which is being financed by Russia. An additional 200 crore USD will be spent on various project-related activities. India became involved in the project in April 2017 when they signed a cooperation agreement with Bangladesh. On November 30 of that year, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the previous Awami League government inaugurated the construction of the first unit. Recently, allegations of corruption have been raised against Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, regarding this project.

Due to corruption and delays, the cost of the project has escalated beyond initial estimates. According to available information, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has become the most expensive nuclear power plant in Asia. Additionally, the cooperation agreement with India for the project has turned into a complex issue. According to the agreement, Indian experts were to be entrusted with managing the Rooppur project after its construction. This agreement, during the Awami League government, has raised objections from those involved in the sector. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated. Currently, Bangladesh owes Russia nearly 800 crore USD for the project, and complications have arisen regarding the repayment of this loan. Given all these factors, the uncertainty regarding the completion of the project has become truly complex.


But we want the work on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to be completed as quickly as possible, no matter what. It is crucial for the plant to start operating in order to meet the electricity demand of our country. Currently, electricity production is being disrupted due to the gas shortage, which is affecting households as well as industrial factories. Until the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is operational, our electricity demand will not be fully met. If such a large-scale project, with an investment of thousands of crore taka, falls into uncertainty, it will be extremely unfortunate for us. Therefore, we urge the current government to focus its utmost attention on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The political and economic complexities surrounding the project must be resolved as soon as possible.