Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday underscored the need for timely completion of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant for materialising the vision of the present government to ensure uninterrupted power supply for all.

The Prime Minister came up with the view when visiting Director General of Rosatom, the national nuclear corporation of Russian
Federation, SV Kirienko met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

After the meeting, press secretary to Prime Minister Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

He said the Prime Minister also laid emphasis on ensuring the safety and security to avoid any accident considering Bangladesh's geographical location in natural disaster-prone areas. The plans for the plant must be safe, she said.The Prime Minister told the Rosatom DG that the government has a plan to set up another nuclear power plant in the country's southern region to meet the growing demand of electricity.

She also sought Russian Federation's cooperation in imparting training to the Bangladeshi experts in the sector.

The Prime Minister recalled the support of the then Soviet Union to Bangladesh during its Liberation War and rebuilding of the
war-ravaged country, including mine sweeping in Chittagong and Mongla Ports.

Sheikh Hasina also conveyed her regards to Russian president Vladimir Putin through the Director General of Rosatom.SV Kirienko
informed the Prime Minister that the work on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is progressing as per the schedule and the plan.

He assured the Prime Minister of taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the power plant and its spent fuel will be brought back to Russia.Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman, Advisers to the Prime Minister Dr Mashiur Rahman, Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary M Abul Kalam Azad, Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia Saiful Haque and Russian Ambassador in Dhaka Alexander A Nikolaev were present.

UNB/LY