Bangladesh has taken delivery of the initial shipment of uranium for its sole nuclear power plant, a project being constructed with Russian support. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated that Bangladesh intends to utilize nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes. This development has occurred against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, which has resulted in sanctions against numerous Russian firms by Western nations, causing delays in the project that is anticipated to contribute to the country's economic growth.
The project's delays were attributed to sanctions, which were imposed as a result of the Ukraine war. These sanctions are anticipated to assist the nation in addressing its growing economic needs. During a virtual ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Hasina participated, witnessing the transfer of uranium fuel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) to Bangladeshi authorities. The fuel was handed over to Bangladesh's Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman by Rosatom's chief, Aleksey Likhachev, in the northern Pabna district.
Prime Minister Hasina expressed, "Today is a day of pride and joy for the people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh will turn into a smart country in the future, and the nuclear power plant is another step towards building that Smart Bangladesh." She emphasized the nation's commitment to utilizing nuclear energy for the preservation of peace.
Upon the commencement of production at the nuclear power plant, Bangladesh will become the 33rd country in the world capable of producing nuclear power, as per a statement from Hasina's ruling Awami League party. Putin congratulated Bangladesh on its "nuclear graduation" and referred to Dhaka as Russia's "tested friend." He emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of the flagship project, which strengthens cooperation between the two nations.
Russia has provided 90% of the construction cost of the two-unit RNPP, with India's assistance in the project, as some Indian enterprises have played subsidiary roles. The nuclear plant is expected to make a significant contribution to economic development and bolster energy security in Bangladesh.
The RNPP's first unit, capable of producing 1,200 megawatts, is set to commence operations next year, with both reactors expected to be fully operational by 2025. This development is anticipated to significantly reduce Bangladesh's carbon emissions by 2030. Under the agreement between Dhaka and Moscow, Russia will retrieve the plant's spent fuel.
Sanctions imposed by the United States on key Russian firms, including Rosatom, due to the Ukraine conflict, have previously delayed construction as Bangladesh encountered difficulties in making loan repayments in U.S. dollars. To circumvent these sanctions, Bangladesh opted to make payments exceeding USD 300 million in Chinese yuan, though the funds have yet to be transferred.
Despite these financial challenges, Bangladesh continues to foster a closer relationship with Moscow, even amid strained relations with Washington. The ceremony occurred against the backdrop of tense Dhaka-Washington ties, with the U.S. and Western nations, alleging that Hasina's Awami League government is stifling dissent and silencing critics ahead of the scheduled general elections in late 2023 or early 2024.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Dhaka for the first time last month and criticized the "pressure exerted upon Bangladesh by the U.S. and its allies." He vowed to thwart any attempts to impose U.S. influence and interference in the region, including Bangladesh. The United States previously imposed sanctions on Bangladesh's elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) force and several of its former officials, alleging involvement in extrajudicial killings. Last month, the U.S. State Department announced the enforcement of visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals accused of undermining the democratic election process in the country. These restrictions also apply to the immediate family members of the individuals in question.
Â
