1,336 Bangladeshi Scientists, Engineers Trained to Operate Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

A total of 1,336 Bangladeshi scientists, engineers, and technicians have received international-standard training to support the operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam informed Parliament on Tuesday.

Responding to a written question from ruling party lawmaker Md. Mostafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3) during the 24th sitting of the second and first budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the personnel were trained under the supervision of the Russian general contractor. The training took place both in the Russian Federation and at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant's dedicated training centre in Bangladesh.

The minister also said that around 5,000 foreign experts and skilled workers are currently engaged in the project.

According to the minister, a comprehensive international-standard training centre has been established under the plant's general contract. Equipped with a full-scale simulator and advanced technical equipment, the facility is now operating at full capacity.

He said Bangladeshi officials, engineers, and technical personnel assigned as trainers received specialized training in Russia before returning to Bangladesh. They are now providing training to personnel working in the plant's common facilities, who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the nuclear power plant.

The minister expressed confidence that the initiative would gradually reduce Bangladesh's reliance on foreign experts and technical specialists as local expertise continues to grow.

Highlighting efforts to strengthen domestic capacity, Anam said nuclear engineering departments have already been established at several universities, including the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and the University of Dhaka.

He also expressed hope that the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission would further enhance its capabilities and, in the future, serve as the Technical Supporting Organization (TSO) for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.