Bangladesh enters in the Nuclear Age
The 'Fresh Nuclear Fuel' or Uranium of the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been handed over. A new history has been created in Bangladesh through the transfer of uranium on Thursday (October 5) at 3 pm. At this auspicious moment, Bangladesh has entered the nuclear era through the historic commissioning of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin from Moscow in a virtual connection from Ganabhaban. Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi was connected virtually from Vienna, Austria.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin spoke on the occasion. Commenting on the Rooppur nuclear power plant as a big step on the way to building a smart Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said, 'From today, Bangladesh has joined the ranks of nuclear power producing countries and has been included as an effective member of the world's traditional nuclear club. We will use this nuclear energy to protect peace.'
Referring to today as a day of great pride and joy for the people of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, 'Today Bangladesh is going a long way. We have entered the nuclear age. Our tested- friendly country, Russian Federation and President honored Bangladesh by being here. Honored us all.'
After the Prime Minister's speech, ROSATOM Director General Alexei Likhachev handed over the certificate of uranium from Rooppur site to Sheikh Hasina. At that time Likhachev was at the main venue in Rooppur. From there, after giving permission, he handed over the certificate to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, his representative at Ganabhaban.
Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman presided over the event. At the beginning of the program, the Project Director of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant gave a welcome speech. Shaukat Akbar IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Mohammad Ali Hossain also spoke on the occasion.
It may be noted that, Bangladesh officially received the first consignment of uranium for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) as the world's 33rd nuclear power producing country. The first batch of uranium is being brought to the country in seven steps. Fuel for the remaining six phases will also arrive quickly from Russia. Another step is expected to come on Thursday. Uranium will be brought in in stages almost every week.
The whole of Pabna was decorated centering the uranium handover ceremony. Strict security measures were ensured in Rooppur project and Green City residential areas. Adorning the project area, along with the national flags of Bangladesh and Russia, flags of various colors were used to decorate.
