Economy
Rooppur NPP won’t get fuel supply until all necessary inspections completed
Atomstroyexport, the Russian contractor for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, has announced that it will not supply fuel to the plant until all necessary inspections and scheduled procedures are completed, emphasizing the importance of meeting international safety standards. Alexey Deriy, Vice President of Atomstroyexport and Director of the Rooppur NPP Construction Project, highlighted that the delivery of nuclear fuel is a complex process involving multiple levels of scrutiny.
A press release from Rosatom, the Russian contractor, stated that an acceptance inspection will soon take place in Novosibirsk, Russia. The inspection will ensure that all required inspections and procedures are carried out before fuel is shipped and delivered to the Rooppur NPP. This commitment to meticulous inspections underscores the priority given to safety and adherence to international standards.
Recently, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted Class B, D, and E licenses to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) for handling, storage, and transportation of nuclear fuel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The Class B license permits the purchase, ownership, handling, and storage of nuclear materials, the Class D license allows a Russian transport company to transport nuclear materials, and the Class E license provides authority for the importation of nuclear materials.
A formal ceremony was held in Pabna to mark the handing over of the licenses, with key attendees including Yeafesh Osman, Minister for Science and Technology; Ziaul Hasan, Sr. Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Engr. Md. Muzammel Haque, Chairman of BAERA; Alexey Ferapontov, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) from Russia; Andrei Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Power of the Rosatom State Corporation; and President of ASE.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, which features two VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 2400 MW, is being constructed based on Russian design. The VVER 1200 reactors are classified as evolutionary generation III+ and fully comply with international safety requirements. The Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation serves as the General Contractor for the project.
Initially undertaken in 2010, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, comprising two units, had set a target to complete the construction of the first unit in 2022 and the second unit in 2023. However, the target was later revised, with the first unit now expected to be completed by June 2024 and the second unit by June 2025, reflecting the evolving nature of the project’s timeline.
The delay in fuel supply to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project highlights the significance placed on thorough inspections and adherence to international safety standards. The Russian contractor’s commitment to ensuring the plant’s safety and operational readiness underscores the dedication to delivering a secure and reliable source of nuclear power for Bangladesh’s energy needs.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
