Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the Russian state-owned ROSATOM to consider establishing another nuclear power plant at Rooppur if feasible. She made this appeal during a meeting with ROSATOM Director General Alexey Likhachev at her official residence Ganabhaban.

According to Prime Minister's Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of conducting a technical survey for setting up two new units at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) after completing the ongoing project. She also directed relevant authorities to finalize arrangements for the return of the Spent Nuclear Fuel from the first and second units of RNPP to Russia.

In response, Alexey Likhachev assured the Prime Minister of the Russian government's commitment to facilitating the return of the Spent Nuclear Fuel and pledged to complete the necessary formalities promptly.

Acknowledging Russia's contribution to Bangladesh's energy security, Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude for realizing the vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to establish a nuclear power plant in the country. She also recalled Russia's assistance during the 1971 Liberation War and post-war reconstruction efforts.

Likhachev briefed the Prime Minister on the progress of RNPP construction, highlighting that 85% of the project has been completed. He proposed building two new nuclear power units (Unit-3 and Unit-4) at the RNPP site, suggesting that expansion of existing projects is financially and technically advantageous.

Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and sanctions, Likhachev assured that work has proceeded at a steady pace, and the project is on track for completion. Sheikh Hasina emphasized the utilization of Bangladeshi expertise in nuclear power plant construction projects globally.

The meeting was attended by Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman, PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Ali Hossain, among others. Currently, construction is underway for two units (each with a capacity of 1200 MW) at RNPP, with Unit-1 set to commence operations in December this year and Unit-2 in 2026.