Key developments: On 11 October, the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant achieved criticality, marking the first self‑sustaining nuclear reaction in Bangladesh. Officials said the milestone signals a major leap in the nation’s scientific, technological and energy‑security agenda, with the plant expected to diversify electricity generation and support low‑carbon fuel systems.
Why it matters: Reaching criticality demonstrates that the reactor’s core is operating safely and that the extensive construction, fuel loading and safety checks have met stringent standards. The plant, built in partnership with Russia’s Rosatom, is central to Bangladesh’s plan to alleviate chronic power shortages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which will boost industrial growth and curb emissions.
What to watch next: The plant will undergo a series of performance and safety tests before a scheduled power‑start‑up on 20 November. Monitoring the outcomes of these tests, the timeline for connecting the unit to the national grid, and any regulatory approvals will be crucial for assessing when Rooppur will begin delivering electricity to consumers. [[1]]