Rooppur Reactor Reaches Milestone as Fuel Loading Begins
After a delay of two years beyond the estimated schedule due to various complications, Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has inaugurated the fuel loading operation in the reactor of the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
On 27 April, Tuesday, in Ishwardi, Pabna, the minister said that the inauguration of this project reflects a strong manifestation of the government’s election manifesto pledge on the practice of science and technology and energy security in the country.
He said that after overcoming many ups and downs, beginning fuel loading by ensuring the highest level of safety and achieving global standards is a matter of self-respect for us. However, complacency in this regard could be dangerous.
The minister commented, Rooppur is not just a power plant; it is a symbol of Bangladesh’s technological confidence. It has given our young generation new dreams, and new dreams will inspire them to innovate and enable them to achieve them.
While speaking as the chairman of the event, Faqir Mahbub Anam, Minister for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, further said that under the capable leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the tireless efforts of the government, Bangladesh’s science and technology sector has reached new heights today. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is an important milestone in that journey.
He stated that, under the Prime Minister’s forward-looking directives, the project has been advanced while maintaining the highest safety and international standards. Through this, Bangladesh has moved one step further toward an uninterrupted, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy system.
The minister said that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is not merely a power generation facility; it is a unique example of the country’s technological capability, skilled human resource development, and international cooperation. This achievement became possible through the integration of many years of planning, research, and preparation.
Faqir Mahbub Anam expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the government for the contributions of a total of 20,000 local and foreign experts, engineers, technologists, and workers, including 5,000 technical personnel from Russia, who were involved in implementing this project.
The minister said, “The Rooppur project will not only ensure Bangladesh’s energy security but also play an important role in building a modern, sustainable, and self-reliant economy. It will inspire our young generation to become more innovative in the fields of science and technology.”
He further said, “The government will remain committed to safe and sustainable energy development in the future and will continue the country’s development journey.”
While recalling the history of the projecthe, the minister said, after the planning was undertaken in 1961, the financing of nuclear power research in 1977 by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and project adoption during the tenure of Begum Khaleda Zia.
DBTech/JU/EK/OR
