Rajshahi Cadet College Student Prottay Embarks on North Pole Expedition Aboard Russian Nuclear Icebreaker

Thursday, August 6: Md. Malekul Saleheen Prottay, a 10th-grade student from Rajshahi Cadet College, is taking part in a rare scientific expedition to the North Pole aboard Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreaker ‘50 Let Pobedy’. Prottay has joined talented students from 21 other countries for this voyage, organized with support from Russia's state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom.

The expedition was officially flagged off recently at a ceremony in Murmansk. Over the 10-day journey, Captain Ruslan Sasov is commanding the icebreaker vessel. The route will take participants across the Barents Sea to the North Pole and the Franz Josef Land archipelago, before returning to Murmansk.

Rosatom disclosed these details in a press release issued on Thursday afternoon (August 6). Rosatom is notably the general contractor for the under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project in Ishwardi, Pabna.

According to the press release, Prottay secured this opportunity as one of the winners of the 7th season of the multi-stage ‘Icebreaker of Knowledge’ competition. Over 5,000 students aged 14 to 16 from 22 countries—including Bangladesh, India, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Turkey, and Vietnam—participated in the contest.

Expressing his excitement prior to departure, Prottay said, "This is a very special day for me. I never imagined that I would travel to the North Pole one day. The distance between Bangladesh and the Arctic region is vast. I am immensely excited about this expedition. I am proud to represent my country on this extraordinary journey."

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, stated, "The Arctic is a place where the most innovative ideas are born. This expedition brings together talented youth who will help shape the future through science and technology." He noted that Russia's unique nuclear icebreaker fleet offers students first-hand exposure to technologies unavailable anywhere else, inspiring them toward scientific advancement and environmental conservation.

The press release further highlighted that during the voyage, participants will observe the operations of the nuclear-powered icebreaker, explore the Arctic environment, and learn about the role of nuclear technology in Arctic navigation. They will attend lectures by leading experts in nuclear, marine science and technology, engage in scientific experiments, workshops, discussions, career guidance sessions, and creative activities. A symbolic highlight of the expedition will be the hoisting of national flags by the students at the geographic North Pole (90° North).

Russian science fiction writer Sergey Lukyanenko is accompanying the expedition as a special guest to lead a collaborative creative writing workshop. The science fiction story co-authored by the students will be published following the voyage.

The 'Icebreaker of Knowledge' project aims to identify and nurture young talent worldwide while promoting science, technology, and nuclear education among students aged 14 to 16. Over its previous six seasons, the initiative has taken more than 400 students from around the globe on educational voyages to the North Pole.

Russia is the only country in the world that operates a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers. Managed by Rosatom’s FSUE Atomflot, the fleet currently comprises eight nuclear icebreakers. These vessels assist in navigating along the Northern Sea Route, which serves as the shortest maritime passage between Western Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region.

//DBtech/PRS/SME//