Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman held a meeting on 9th June 2026 with Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom in Moscow. During the meeting, they discussed about the nuclear energy cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia. Mentioning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as one of the most significant elements in our bilateral relationship, the Foreign Minister emphasized its role in strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security and enhancing macroeconomic resilience.
Noting the successful completion of fuel loading at Unit-1 in May 2026, the Foreign Minister requested Russian authority for continued technical coordination on synchronization with national grid and commercial operation. The Russian side mentioned that the process would be completed very shortly. Rosatom officials indicated that the Unit-2 would be operational by next Summer.
Referring to the discussion during the recent meeting of Mr. Likhachev with Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman, the Foreign Minister enquired about technical and economic aspects of small modular reactors (SMR) as a part of a diversified and resilient future energy demand. Mr. Likhachev indicated the possibility of offering floating nuclear power plant unit to Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister sought expanded cooperation in building new generation of nuclear professionals in reactor engineering, operations, and regulatory governance. He emphasized for appropriate training of professionals from Bangladesh so that they could contribute in smooth implementation and maintenance of the national flagship project with further possibility to work in similar projects overseas. Mr. Likhachev responded positively and assured that Rosatom would take steps in this direction.
The Foreign Minister Dr. Rahman is on a three-day official visit to Russian Federation at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Mr. Sergey Lavrov. Hon’ble Advisor on Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir was present at the meeting.