The visit of Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of the Russian Federation State Corporation for Nuclear Energy, ROSATOM, to Dhaka, was a significant event.

It was his first visit since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League, in a student-led uprising in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, against her government’s policies.

Commentary and analysis on Russia’s state-run Sputnik news agency frequently labeled Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh for India on August 5 as a color revolution orchestrated by the United States.

In November 2023, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that the US might orchestrate a Color Revolution in Bangladesh. A State Department spokesperson called her remarks a “deliberate mischaracterization of US foreign policy.”

On August 18, 2024, reports claimed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embezzled $5 billion from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project. In a statement issued on August 19, ROSATOM refuted the claims of financial misconduct related to the RNPP project.

“Rosatom rejects the provocative news published and circulated in the media regarding unethical financial transactions in the RNPP project. We are committed to transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in all procurement processes,” the statement said.

The statement asserted that reports targeting the RNPP project aim to damage its reputation. Global Defense Corp. alleges that Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece Tulip Siddiq embezzled $5 billion from the project.

After these, Alexey Likhachevs’s visit was of immense significance as it marked a new and crucial chapter in Bangladesh’s relationship with Russia in nuclear energy.

This development is critical to the global energy landscape. He met with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, and General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief.

Bangladesh is eager to enhance collaboration in nuclear energy, emphasizing mutual interests and developments in peaceful nuclear technology, stated Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus during a meeting with a delegation headed by Alexey Likhachev on February 26.

According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, the meeting occurred at the Chief Adviser’s Official Residence, Jamuna.

It focused on Bangladesh and Russia’s collaboration to develop the RNPP, a key project for enhancing Bangladesh’s energy security.

During the discussions, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus appreciated ROSATOM’s continued support in building the plant. ROSATOM, the leading global nuclear energy company, is responsible for constructing and commissioning the plant.

The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of the project’s timely completion to meet Bangladesh’s growing energy needs.

“We are looking forward to your support, which is very important for us,” the Chief Adviser told the ROSATOM DG.

Alexey Likhachev reported that RNPP construction is on track, with several milestones already met.

“Any choice people of Bangladesh make is sacred for us,” said Likhachev.

He informed the Chief Adviser that the project’s dry run is continuing, and the test run will commence soon.

He also assured that ROSATOM remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating the successful completion of the project. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and compliance with international standards, ROSATOM ensures the project’s highest operation and safety standards.

Both sides discussed the merit of revising the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA) by extending the credit utilization period until the end of 2026.

In this respect, the two sides agreed to sign Protocol No. 2 to the IGCA shortly while complying with all the necessary formalities.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing mentioned that both parties also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in staff training, safety protocols, and knowledge transfer to ensure the project’s long-term success.

Alexey Likhachev also visited General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, at the Army Headquarters. The Bangladesh Army posted on its verified Facebook page that their meeting was mutually respectful.

They discussed various aspects of the ongoing RNPP project and exchanged greetings, fostering a positive atmosphere.

In the meeting, DG ROSATOM thanked and appreciated the Bangladesh Army, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining high security at the RNPP Project.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of joint efforts to implement the project promptly.

On April 2, 2024, Alexey Likhachev visited Bangladesh and met with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Likhachev told Hasina, “The implementation of the Rooppur NPP construction project is approaching one of the most important milestones – the physical start-up of Unit 1, which will take place before the end of the year. “

“Currently, we are starting the discussion of new projects. The Bangladeshi Party is strongly interested in constructing two more power units at the Rooppur NPP site,” he said. 

“Besides, the possibility of constructing a multi-purpose high-power research reactor in Bangladesh is being reviewed. The research reactor will be able to resolve the tasks in science and nuclear medicine”, Likhachev added.

‘One-man Newsroom‘ collected the images from the Chief Adviser GOB and Bangladesh Army’s Facebook post.