Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: A 60-Year Journey, Not a One-Government Project

By Mezbah Uddin | Songbad 365 | April 28, 2026

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Bangladesh’s first nuclear energy project, is often portrayed as the achievement of a single government’s initiative. However, a closer look at history reveals a much broader and longer journey spanning over six decades.

Early Planning in the 1960s

The idea of establishing a nuclear power plant in the region dates back to the early 1960s, when the then East Pakistan government initiated plans for nuclear energy development. In 1963, land was officially acquired in Rooppur, located in Pabna district.

Decades of Studies and Delays

Between the 1970s and 1990s, multiple feasibility studies were conducted by international firms, including French and German organizations. Despite these efforts, the project faced repeated delays due to political changes, financial constraints, and technological challenges.

Renewed Efforts in the Late 1990s

In the late 1990s, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) revisited the project, aiming to revive the long-standing plan. However, progress remained slow without a concrete international partnership.

Major Breakthrough in 2011

A significant turning point came in 2011, when Bangladesh signed an agreement with Russia to build the nuclear power plant. This agreement laid the foundation for the project’s actual implementation.

Construction Phase Begins

Construction officially began around 2017–2018, marking the first time the decades-old plan moved into a tangible development phase. Since then, the project has progressed steadily under international supervision and cooperation.

Current Status

As of 2026, the plant is in its final stages, with testing and commissioning processes ongoing. Full commercial power generation is expected to be completed in phases.

A National Project, Not an Individual Achievement

Experts emphasize that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is not the result of a single government’s decision. Instead, it represents a cumulative effort involving multiple administrations, international partnerships, and long-term national planning.

While recent governments played a crucial role in implementation, the project’s foundation was laid decades earlier.

Conclusion

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s long-term vision in energy development. Its history demonstrates that large-scale infrastructure projects are often the result of sustained efforts over generations, rather than the achievement of any single individual or administration.