On June 9, a meeting was held between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev in Moscow. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - Russia has indicated the possibility of offering 
a floating nuclear power plant unit to Bangladesh as the two countries 
explored future cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies and long-term 
energy security.

The proposal came during a meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur 
Rahman and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev in Moscow on June 9, 
held on the sidelines of the foreign minister's three-day official visit to 
Russia, said a foreign ministry's press release today. 

The two sides discussed Bangladesh-Russia cooperation in the nuclear energy 
sector, with particular focus on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) and 
future energy collaboration.

Referring to discussions held earlier between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman 
and the Rosatom chief, Dr Khalilur sought information on the technical and 
economic aspects of small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of Bangladesh's 
efforts to build a diversified and resilient energy mix.

In response, Likhachev indicated that Russia could offer Bangladesh a 
floating nuclear power plant unit, opening a new avenue for cooperation in 
the country's future energy development.

The foreign minister described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as one of the 
most significant pillars of Bangladesh-Russia relations and underscored its 
importance in strengthening the country's energy security and macroeconomic 
resilience.

He noted that nuclear fuel loading at Unit-1 of the plant was successfully 
completed in May this year and requested continued technical coordination 
from the Russian side for synchronization of the unit with the national grid 
and its subsequent commercial operation.

Russian officials assured that the synchronization and commissioning process 
would be completed shortly.

Rosatom also informed the Bangladesh side that Unit-2 of the country's first 
nuclear power plant is expected to become operational by next summer.

The meeting further discussed expanding cooperation in human resource 
development for Bangladesh's growing nuclear sector.

Dr Khalilur emphasized the need to build a new generation of Bangladeshi 
nuclear professionals in reactor engineering, plant operations and regulatory 
governance to ensure the smooth implementation and maintenance of the 
country's flagship nuclear project.

He also stressed the importance of equipping Bangladeshi experts with skills 
that would enable them to contribute to similar projects abroad in the 
future.

Likhachev responded positively and assured that Rosatom would take steps to 
strengthen cooperation in training and professional development.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was present at the 
meeting.

Dr Khalilur Rahman visited Russia from June 7 to 9 at the invitation of 
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.