Bangladesh recently stepped into the “world of nuclear energy” as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the main construction work of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the first such plant in the country.
She formally launched the construction work by pouring concrete into the plant site in Iswardi's Rooppur in the morning.
Speaking on the occasion, she said, “This is a joyful day for us. Bangladesh enters the world of nuclear energy with the beginning of the construction work of the main structure. It's a pride and joy for us as a nation.”
Taking a swipe at the critics of the nuclear power plant project, she said those who raised questions “lacked self-confidence”.
“There's a quarter that raises questions in TV channels about various issues as some 23 satellite TV stations are in operation out of 44. They shouldn't have thought that we are less patriotic than them.”
Hasina said her government has put utmost importance on ensuring overall nuclear security during the construction of the plant.
The then Awami League government in 2009 had taken initiatives to meet the high demand for electricity, she said. “We drew up short, mid and long-term plans to meet the demand. The total electricity production capacity has now risen to nearly 16,000 megawatt. About 83 percent people have come under electricity coverage.
