Bangladesh’s government gave nod to the draft of a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) for trilateral cooperation among Ministry of Science and Technology of Bangladesh, Department of Atomic Energy of India and Russia`s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation to implement the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, businessnews24bd.com reported.
Sources of Nuclear Asia confirmed the development: “Exchanges will be made of knowledge and experience, advisory services, technical assistance and assets in boosting the skill and capability of the engineers and other specialists, including the running of the power plant safely as well as ensuring its security.”
On November 30, 2017 became the 32nd country in the world and 3rd in South Asia to harness the power of atom. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, called the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) “realization of another dream” as the ‘first concrete’ was poured to the foundation slab of Unit 1 of the plant at Iswardi of Pabna district.
“With the pouring of first concrete of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins the realization of another dream. We enter the nuclear world, which is a matter of great pride and honor for us as a nation,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said after the ceremony. It is indeed the realization of a dream that was conceived in 1960s. “First concrete” marks the start of the main construction phase of the Rooppur NPP.
In her address Bangladesh Prime Minister said that the plant will be important for economic growth of the country. “Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will play a significant role in economic development and implementation of Vision 2041,” Hasina said.
Former Director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Shivram Bhoje, while speaking to Nuclear Asia said: “Russia, India and Bangladesh can cooperate in nuclear power and applications of radioisotopes. Economic development of Bangladesh depends on reliable energy resources available to them. Definitely nuclear power will help in this regard.”
