Bangladesh
Russia-Bangladesh Bangladesh is our tested friend: Putin
Own correspondent, Dhaka, 6 October 2023: The President of the country, Vladimir Putin, has termed Bangladesh as a tested friend of Russia. He said, "Russia's relationship with Bangladesh is built on the basis of mutual equality. This relationship has been formed 50 years ago, since the beginning of Bangladesh's independence struggle. Big industries and power plants have helped in the economic development of Bangladesh."
He said these words while participating virtually in the graduation ceremony of nuclear power plant in Rooppur, Pabna on Thursday, October 5 afternoon. The President of Russia said, "Russia will not only build the power plant, we will support Bangladesh throughout the life cycle of this nuclear power project. Russia has taken responsibility for the sustainable supply of nuclear fuel, technical services, and the installation of spent nuclear fuel. In the framework of the Rooppur project cooperation, Russia is very interested in Bangladesh's nuclear power plant. is producing qualified experts. Our university is training in nuclear, where there are more Bangladeshi students. Their number will definitely increase."
He said, "Congratulations to Bangladesh for building the country's first nuclear power plant. Both our countries have interests in this project, which has deepened mutual relations."
Putin said, "In 2013, the construction of the nuclear power plant started in Pabna. Then in 2017, when the full-scale research work was completed, the welding work of the first unit of the nuclear power plant at the Padma Lake began. Throughout the construction period of the power plant, we are in personal contact with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the implementation of the Rooppur project. The same Two units are currently under construction, using 2,400 MW reactors. We will have the physical start of the first unit in 2024 and the 2nd unit in 2026. When the project is fully operational, it will meet 10 percent of Bangladesh's electricity demand. It will meet the growing economic needs of Bangladesh. "
He said, "This nuclear power plant will not emit any carbon. It will be very good for the environment. It will be good for human health, it will be good for the people. The workers here are doing well. There are 20 thousand workers working here, most of them are Bangladeshi citizens. People here are getting employment through this."
The Russian President also said, "Local companies are working to provide logistics, transportation and other services for the construction. Besides, Indian friends are also helping in the implementation of the project."
He said, "The latest engineering decisions and technologies are used during the construction of nuclear power plants, so that the safety and environmental norms of the world are observed. These are being done in accordance with the norms and recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The safety of the Rooppur project is reliable and advanced."
