Bangladesh nuclear fuel transport disrupted by Pakistan airspace denial

The transport of uranium fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been disrupted after Pakistan denied airspace clearance for the cargo flight. The shipment, intended for Unit 2 of the facility, was scheduled to arrive on 24 September but failed to reach Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Minister for Science and Technology, Faqir Mahbub Anam, stated that the reason for Pakistan’s refusal remains unknown. Russia’s Rosatom has proposed a new arrival window during the first week of October.

In a separate development regarding the country's nuclear sector, Bangladesh and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic civil nuclear cooperation. Signed in New York, the agreement aims to deepen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and support Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify its long-term energy sources. The MoU emphasizes adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and non-proliferation, noting that both nations are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.