Bangladesh nuclear plant draws hope — and worry

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh is poised for its inaugural operation, a long-awaited 2.4-gigawatt facility backed by a $13 billion investment. While the plant aims to alleviate the country's chronic electricity shortages, concerns linger about the impact of living near it. The project, spearheaded by the Bangladesh government in collaboration with Russia's Rosatom, has revitalized the nearby village of Rooppur, attracting Russian workers and generating job opportunities.

Once fully functional, the plant's two reactors are expected to generate over 10% of the nation's electricity demand, easing the strain caused by the ongoing fuel crisis. For local residents like Mohammad Nafiz, the plant represents a promising future, with many aspiring to work there after completing their engineering studies. However, not everyone is convinced by the project's safety assurances.

Retired paper mill worker Md Yunus Ali expresses lingering apprehension, citing incidents that have unnerved the community, while echoing concerns about the potential risks to his children and grandchildren. Despite facing delays and setbacks, including those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's involvement in Ukraine, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant remains a symbol of Bangladesh's ambitious strides towards achieving energy stability.