Dhaka, Bangladesh – On May 10, 2025, the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) terminated 18 engineers, including the deputy chief superintendent, from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project after weeks of protests disrupted operations. The dismissals, ordered by NPCBL Managing Director Md Jahedul Hasan, involved 15 BSc engineers and three diploma engineers, with termination notices emailed to the Rooppur project site office on Friday.

Among those dismissed was Hashmat Ali, the deputy chief superintendent, a key figure in the project’s development. Ali confirmed receiving his termination notice, underscoring the significant impact of the decision on the project’s leadership. The terminations followed a period of unrest from April 28 to May 6, during which a group of NPCBL employees organized protests, human chains, and rallies, demanding improved working conditions. According to their memorandum, the agitation stemmed from grievances against the project director.

The protests have raised alarms about the safety culture at Rooppur, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant. Senior Bangladeshi officials have expressed concerns that the unrest could undermine the stringent safety standards critical to nuclear operations, potentially delaying the project’s timeline. Md Shafiqul Islam, a professor at the University of Dhaka’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the agitation. “Globally, nuclear power plants have not seen such protests,” he said. “Safety and security are non-negotiable, and unresolved issues could lead to serious operational challenges.”

Significance of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to Bangladesh

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, located in Pabna, approximately 160 km northwest of Dhaka, is a transformative project for Bangladesh’s energy landscape and economic aspirations. With two VVER-1200 reactors capable of generating 2,400 MW, the plant is expected to supply 10-15% of the nation’s electricity demand upon completion (Unit 1 in 2025, Unit 2 in 2026). This $12.65 billion initiative, primarily funded by a Russian loan and constructed with technical expertise from Rosatom, addresses Bangladesh’s chronic energy shortages, which have long hindered industrial growth and economic stability in a country with a burgeoning population and economy.

As a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 to achieve developed nation status, Rooppur is vital for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The plant’s reliable, low-carbon energy will support industrial expansion, enhance energy security, and improve access to electricity, fostering economic growth. Additionally, the project has created thousands of jobs and facilitated the training of hundreds of Bangladeshi engineers in Russia, building national expertise in nuclear technology.

However, the recent unrest and dismissals highlight challenges in maintaining workforce stability and adhering to the rigorous safety standards required for nuclear operations. Any delays—whether from labor disputes or safety concerns—could jeopardize the project’s timeline and erode public confidence in Rooppur, which symbolizes Bangladesh’s technological progress and international partnerships. The plant’s success is crucial not only for energy security but also for reinforcing