Russia has agreed to defer the start of Bangladesh’s loan repayment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by 18 months, pushing the first instalment to September 2028.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Khozin, during a press briefing at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka.
The Rooppur project, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, is being financed largely through a Russian intergovernmental loan. Under the revised arrangement, the commencement of the main debt repayment has been postponed following amendments to the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA).
According to the ambassador, the revised repayment schedule was finalised in July this year after both countries’ finance ministries approved an amended protocol to the agreement.
“The extension of the IGCA, along with the renewal of the Letter of Credit, ensures continuity of financial operations for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project,” Mr Khozin said, describing the move as a reflection of Russia’s continued commitment to Bangladesh’s flagship energy initiative.
Power generation expected next year
Briefing reporters on the project’s progress, the ambassador said work is now focused on commissioning Unit-1 of the plant, which has reached its final stage of readiness.
Final construction, installation, start-up and adjustment activities are currently under way, alongside mandatory inspections and regulatory procedures, he added.
“All necessary efforts are being made to ensure systematic progress toward commissioning of the facility,” Mr Khozin said, expressing optimism that electricity generation would begin soon.
“As early as next year, we plan to start supplying the first megawatts of electricity to the national grid of Bangladesh,” he said, calling it a major milestone toward full-scale operation.
Transparency and oversight
Responding to allegations of fund mismanagement during Bangladesh’s previous government, the Russian envoy said Moscow does not comment on Bangladesh’s domestic political affairs.
However, he stressed that transparency has been maintained throughout the project through documentation, certification and verification of project milestones, including equipment manufacturing and delivery.
Broader ties
Mr Khozin said Bangladesh remains Russia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding $2bn annually over the past three years.
Russia exports machinery, wheat, fertilisers and agricultural products to Bangladesh, while importing ready-made garments and textiles. Around two million tonnes of Russian wheat were supplied to Bangladesh in 2025, he added.
Energy cooperation continues to form the backbone of bilateral relations, with Russia involved not only in nuclear energy but also in gas exploration, LNG discussions and renewable energy prospects.
Russian companies are also ready to invest in solar and other renewable energy projects in Bangladesh, the ambassador said.
