The Bangladesh Army is preparing to assume complete responsibility for security at the country’s only nuclear power facility—the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in Pabna—at a time when Reactor-1 nears commissioning. The move follows a series of high-level consultations between Bangladesh military officials and international nuclear and defence authorities, intelligence sources in Bangladesh confirmed.

A four-member delegation, led by Bangladesh Army’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, travelled to Vienna and Paris from October 30 to November 4.

According to intelligence documents accessed by agencies, the team included Bangladesh’s Defence Adviser in Vienna, Brigadier Rubaiyat Mahmud Hasib, and two majors.

The delegation toured the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, engaging with senior officials on strengthening Bangladesh’s nuclear security architecture and long-term safeguards.

Security upgrade as reactor-1 nears commissioning

The interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, is focused on fortifying the plant’s Physical Protection System (PPS) as Bangladesh moves closer to operating its first nuclear reactor.

So far, plant security has been handled by a specialized military unit under the Nuclear Security and Physical Protection System Cell, supported by law enforcement and other agencies in accordance with national legislation and IAEA standards.

“The aim to strengthen security comes at a critical moment, with Reactor-1 set for commissioning,” a senior intelligence official said.

After the Vienna meetings, Lt Gen Shamim and his team travelled to Paris, where they held discussions with the French Defence Ministry. The nature of these talks has not been disclosed, though officials familiar with the visit suggest they covered advanced defence cooperation and nuclear security mechanisms.

Rooppur nuclear plant: Bangladesh’s flagship project

The RNPP, built in partnership with Russia’s Rosatom and overseen by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, features two VVER-1200 reactors that will collectively produce 2,400 MW of electricity.

Construction began in 2017 and 2018, though commercial operation—earlier targeted for 2025—has been delayed. The project is valued at 12.65 billion USD, secured under an agreement signed in December 2015.

India is also involved, having helped train specialized Bangladeshi manpower for construction and plant operations.

Bangladesh received its first batch of fresh uranium fuel for Reactor-1 in late September 2023 through a special air shipment, marking a major milestone in the project’s final phase.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean upda

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share