Bangladesh
Rooppur | Russia | Ukraine Russians and Ukrainians are working side by side in Rooppur
Dhaka, March 5: The Russia-Ukraine war had no effect on the citizens of the two countries working at Rooppur in Ishwardi. Russians and Ukrainians are working together to maintain professionalism at the Rooppur nuclear power plant. The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on several Russian financial institutions and banks over the military operation in Ukraine. Many fear that this could put Russia in a difficult position financially.
However, the Russian state nuclear agency (RASATOM), the builder of the Rooppur project, has confirmed that there will be no disruption in the work schedule and promises made for the construction of Rooppur nuclear power plant at Ishwardi in Pabna. In a press release sent to the media, Rosatom assured about the matter.
According to Rosatom, there is no danger of stalemate in the construction of Rooppur nuclear power plant due to Russia's military operation in Ukraine. This issue will not affect the construction of Rooppur nuclear power plant. The project will be completed on time. If all goes well, the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be commissioned in 2023.
Bangladeshi officials working on the Rooppur project said that despite the fierce war between Russia and Ukraine, a different situation exists at the Rooppur nuclear power plant in Ishwardi. Here Russians and Ukrainians are working side by side. They are also moving around together, living in the same building and eating at restaurants and hotels. However, Ukrainian citizens are concerned about their families. Even then, they are friendly with their colleagues.
Ruhul Quddus, site in-charge of Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, said that 27-28 thousand workers are working in Rooppur. Six and a half thousand foreign nationals from 16 countries are working. Most of them are Russians. There are more than two hundred Ukrainian citizens here. Everyone is working together in a friendly environment. No untoward incident has taken place so far.
He added that Ukrainian citizens are working here under a Russian contractor. Citizens of Russia and Ukraine are moving together. They are coming to eat together in the restaurant including shopping.
The country's first nuclear power plant is being built at Rooppur in Ishwardi with Russian financial and technical assistance. In October 2021, the main part of the first unit of the power plant, the reactor pressure vessel or nuclear reactor was installed. Besides, the work of the second unit is also being taken forward at the same pace. The government's target is to transmit electricity from the first unit of the power plant to the national grid in 2023. The second unit will be launched in 2024.
