Extensive public awareness campaign ahead of fuel loading at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

As the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) prepares for nuclear fuel loading, Russian state corporation Rosatom and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) are jointly conducting an extensive public awareness campaign across the project region.

The objective of the campaign is to address questions, misconceptions, concerns, and curiosity among local residents by providing accurate, clear, and essential information about the project. Throughout the campaign, representatives from Rosatom and BAEC are directly engaging with the public, responding to queries, and fostering open dialogue.

The month-long campaign includes a series of activities such as Science Festivals, traditional Gambhira performances, and Uthan Baithaks (courtyard meetings) across different upazilas of Pabna district.

As part of the ongoing Science Festival, representatives from Rosatom and BAEC are traveling across the region in a specially designed, nuclear-themed branded bus. During these visits, they are interacting with people at various public gatherings. Residents from all upazilas of Pabna district are getting the opportunity to engage directly with project representatives and learn about the safety measures, environmental aspects, technological features, and socio-economic significance of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. To enhance public interest, science-based games are being organized, and nuclear-themed souvenirs are being distributed among participants.

In addition, a debate and question-and-answer session on nuclear technology was recently organized jointly by the Ishwardi Nuclear Information Center and the Department of Geography and Environmental Science of Pabna University of Science and Technology.

Moreover, two other significant awareness initiatives are being implemented during the current month. These include Gambhira performances and courtyard meetings held at various locations across the district with the active participation of local residents. Based on the theme “Sustainable, Safe, Affordable, and Environment-Friendly Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant,” the Gambhira performances aim to highlight the necessity and importance of the project through engaging entertainment combined with logical and informative presentations.

The courtyard meetings are designed to inform and raise awareness among local communities about RNPP, encourage direct discussions, provide factual and evidence-based answers to public queries, alleviate concerns and anxieties, and build positive public opinion in support of the project.

Located in Ishwardi, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will house two power units, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW. The project utilizes the latest Generation III+ Russian VVER-1200 nuclear reactors, which meet all international safety standards.