PABNA, October 11, 2026: The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has begun an inspection of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit-1 to verify its technical readiness and safety arrangements before the reactor’s power start-up.
The inspection formally began on Sunday morning at a meeting held at the Rooppur project’s training center auditorium. The meeting was attended by the managing director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), representatives of the company, relevant specialists and VO-Safety experts.
The inspection will examine technical and operational readiness, safety measures, relevant systems and documentation ahead of the next stage of commissioning. The process is scheduled to continue until October 17, 2026, after which the findings will be assessed and the necessary regulatory procedures completed.
Unit-1 achieved first reactor criticality at 3:34 pm on October 11, marking a significant milestone in the commissioning process. The reactor will now require further testing and regulatory clearance before its power output can be gradually increased.
Safety remains the top priority throughout the commissioning process, with all tests and subsequent activities to be conducted in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
BSS Report, Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain described Rooppur as a historic milestone for the country's energy security and economic progress, highlighting its potential to support reliable electricity supplies and peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
The project has a long history, with feasibility studies and international cooperation initiatives dating back to the years following the independence. The arrival of nuclear fuel at the site in October 2023 marked a major step towards commissioning.
