The first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received its commissioning license after overcoming various obstacles, allowing the facility to begin the process of electricity generation. Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain confirmed the development on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority granted clearance for the fuel loading license, paving the way for uranium loading in the first unit by the end of April. If all goes as planned, phased electricity supply could begin by December.

Authority Chairman Mahmudul Hasan stated that although the ministry initially planned an inauguration on April 7, critical issues delayed the process. He emphasized that the decision to postpone fuel loading was made to ensure maximum safety, given the project’s scale and potential risks. Hasan assured that all safety measures are being rigorously implemented and expressed confidence that no accidents would occur.

Located in Ishwardi, Pabna, the 2.4-gigawatt Rooppur plant is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility, built with assistance from Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. The project’s timeline was extended in February 2024 to 2027.