Ahead of nuclear fuel loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) have jointly launched an extensive public awareness campaign across the project area.
The initiative aims to address questions, misconceptions and concerns among local residents by providing clear, accurate and essential information about the nuclear power project.
Representatives from Rosatom and BAEC are directly engaging with communities, responding to queries and encouraging open dialogue to build public confidence, said an official press release.
The month-long campaign includes Science Festivals, traditional Gambhira performances and Uthan Baithaks (courtyard meetings) across various upazilas of Pabna district.
As part of the Science Festival, officials from Rosatom and BAEC are travelling throughout the region in a specially designed, nuclear-themed bus, interacting with people at public gatherings.
Residents from all upazilas of Pabna are being informed about the plant’s safety systems, environmental safeguards, advanced technology and socio-economic significance.
Science-based games are also being arranged to spark interest, while nuclear-themed souvenirs are being distributed among participants.
In addition, a debate and question-and-answer session on nuclear technology was recently organised jointly by the Ishwardi Nuclear Information Center and the Department of Geography and Environmental Science of Pabna University of Science and Technology.
Two other key initiatives—Gambhira performances and courtyard meetings—are also being held across the district this month with active community participation.
Based on the theme “Sustainable, Safe, Affordable and Environment-Friendly Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant,” the programmes combine entertainment with informative discussions to highlight the importance of the project.
Located in Ishwardi, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will have two units of 1,200 MW each and will use Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors that meet international safety standards.