DHAKA, Oct 10, 2021 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated

reactor pressure vessel installation work of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
(RNPP), calling the day as "very important" for the country and herself as
well.

  "Today is a very important day for us. The day is not only important for
Bangladesh but also for mine as well," she said after opening the
installation work through video conferencing from her official Ganabhaban
residence here this morning.

   The Premier later witnessed the RNPP's reactor pressure vessel
installation process.

  With installation of the reactor in the main unit of the nuclear power
plant at Rooppur in Pabna, the country's dream to produce nuclear energy is
going to be materialized.

  Installation of almost all types of nuclear equipment was completed by
setting up reactor pressure vessels inside the physical structure of Unit-1.
As a result, the work inside the reactor building of this unit nears
completion.

   Rooppur NPP has accumulated the best Russian practice and dozens of years
of experience and scientific thoughts and the unique combination of active
and passive systems of the power units will ensure safe operation of the
power plant and guarantee the planned level of electricity generation.

  Development of nuclear power industry will not only resolve the problem of
energy supply in Bangladesh but will also contribute to the development of
the region and enhance the living standards of the people.

  The nuclear power plant in Pabna that consists of two units with a capacity
of 1,200MW each is the country's maiden power project of its kind.

  The Ruppur project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy
Commission, which is being constructed with the technical and financial
support of Russia.

   Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman presided over the
function and Russia's state-run atomic energy body Rosatom's Director General
Alexey Likhachev spoke as the special guest from the Rooppur Nuclear Power
Plant project site.

  Science and Technology Secretary Ziaul Hasan delivered the welcome address
while Project Director of the plant Dr Mohammad Shawkat Akbar joined it
connecting from reactor building.

   A video presentation was screened on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant at
the function.