Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus signalled Bangladesh’s eagerness to broaden nuclear energy cooperation with Russia.
He conveyed the message during a Wednesday meeting with Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s State Corporation for Nuclear Energy (ROSATOM), at the state guesthouse Jamuna.
Highlighting shared goals in peaceful nuclear tech, Yunus underscored the talks’ focus on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP)—a cornerstone for bolstering Bangladesh’s energy security.
Yunus praised ROSATOM’s role in RNPP’s construction, pressing for its timely finish to meet soaring energy demands. “Your support is crucial for us,” he told Likhachev.
The ROSATOM chief updated Yunus on progress, noting that construction is on track with key milestones met.
“The Bangladeshi people’s choices are sacred to us,” Likhachev said, adding that a dry run is underway, with a test run imminent. He reaffirmed ROSATOM’s dedication to safety, quality, and global standards.
The duo tackled financing, agreeing to tweak the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA) by extending credit use to 2026 via an upcoming Protocol No. 2, pending formalities.
They also stressed ongoing collaboration in training, safety, and knowledge transfer for RNPP’s long-term success.
Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia, Science and Technology Senior Secretary Md Mokabbir Hossain, and ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky were present at the meeting.
Likhachev’s team included Russian Ambassador Alexander Khozin, Deputy Chairman Alexey Feropontov, First Deputy DG Andrey Petrov, and RNPP Project Director Alexey Deriy.
On a one-day visit—his first since April 2024—Likhachev reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to this flagship partnership.