Rosatom DG Likhachev meets CA Yunus, discusses extending IGCA credit utilisation until 2026

Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today (26 February).

During the meeting, both sides discussed the merit of revising the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA) by extending the credit utilisation period until the end of 2026.

In this respect, the two sides agreed to sign Protocol No. 2 to the IGCA shortly while complying with all the necessary formalities. 

Both parties also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in areas such as staff training, safety protocols, and knowledge transfer to ensure the long-term success of the project.

The chief adviser told the Rosatom chief that Bangladesh looks forward to expanding cooperation in nuclear energy, focusing on shared interests and advancements in peaceful nuclear technology.

The meeting, which took place at Chief Adviser's official residence Jamuna, mostly focused on the continuing collaboration between Bangladesh and Russia in the development of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), a landmark project aimed at enhancing Bangladesh's energy security through nuclear energy.

During the discussions, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus appreciated Rosatom's continued support in the construction of the plant and laid emphasis on the timely completion of the project with a view to meeting Bangladesh's growing energy needs.

"We are looking forward to your support, which is very important for us," the chief adviser told the Rosatom director general.

Director General Likhachev shared updates on the RNPP, emphasising that the construction work is progressing as planned, with multiple milestones having already been achieved.

"Any choice people of Bangladesh make is sacred for us," said Likhachev.

He informed the chief adviser that the dry run of the project is going on while the test run will commence soon. 

He also assured that Rosatom remains committed to facilitating the successful completion of the project, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and compliance with international standards.

Among others, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Md. Mokabbir Hossain, and ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky were present during the meeting.

From the Russian side, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin, Deputy Chairman of the Federal Environmental, Industrial, and Nuclear Supervision Service Alexey Feropontov, Rosatom's First Deputy Director General Andrey Petrov, and Vice President of ASE JSC and Project Director of Rooppur NPP Alexey Deriy accompanied the Rosatom director general at the meeting.

Director General Likhachev is currently on a one-day visit to Bangladesh. He last toured Bangladesh in April 2024.