Russian national dies at Rooppur Nuclear Project in Pabna

A Russian national working at Bangladesh’s flagship nuclear facility has died after falling ill while exercising at a residential complex linked to the project.

The deceased, identified as Churkin Vladimir, 40, was employed at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi. He reportedly collapsed at the Green City housing area on Friday evening (May 1).

Project sources said he was rushed to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, where on-duty doctors declared him dead after medical examination. Preliminary assessments suggest he may have suffered a cardiac arrest, as no visible injury marks were found on his body.

Vladimir was working for Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom, which is overseeing construction at the Rooppur project.

Confirming the incident, local police said the body has been sent to Pabna Medical College Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities added that, following legal formalities, the body will be repatriated to Russia.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is Bangladesh’s first nuclear energy project, involving extensive collaboration with Russian companies and workforce.