# Bangladesh nuclear energy cooperation and Rooppur progress

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bangladesh-nuclear-energy-cooperation-and-fuel-logistics
> Updated: 2026-10-07T07:41:41.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 4.

Bangladesh has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to enhance cooperation regarding the peaceful and civilian uses of nuclear energy. Signed in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the agreement aims to support the diversification of Bangladesh’s long-term energy sources while emphasizing adherence to international standards for nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.

Following delays caused by the denial of Pakistani airspace, a Russian cargo plane carrying uranium fuel for the second unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka previously clarified that the airspace denial was due to ‘technical and procedural arrangements regarding flight routing and civil aviation protocols’ rather than political motives.

The $13 billion Rooppur project, managed by Russia’s Rosatom in coordination with the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, features two reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 gigawatts. The facility is expected to supply more than 10 percent of the country’s electricity demand once fully operational, helping to reduce a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which currently account for 95 percent of the nation’s oil and gas needs. The first reactor is scheduled for delivery by the end of this year, with the second expected to become operational the following year. While the project promises energy security, some local residents have expressed concerns regarding safety protocols.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Bangladesh prepares to launch first nuclear power plant

Bangladesh is set to launch its first nuclear power plant at Rooppur. The $13 billion Rosatom-partnered project aims to provide 2.4 gigawatts of power to combat the nation's energy shortages.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-prepares-to-launch-first-nuclear-power-plant

### 2026-10-02: Russian uranium shipment arrives in Bangladesh for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

A Russian uranium shipment for Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has arrived in Dhaka following delays caused by airspace transit issues in Pakistan.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-uranium-shipment-arrives-in-bangladesh-for-rooppur-nuclear-power-plant

### 2026-09-26: Bangladesh nuclear fuel transport disrupted by Pakistan airspace denial

Uranium fuel transport for Bangladesh’s Rooppur plant was disrupted by Pakistan's airspace denial, while Bangladesh and the US signed an MoU to enhance strategic civil nuclear cooperation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-nuclear-fuel-transport-disrupted-by-pakistan-airspace-denial

### 2026-09-24: Bangladesh and US sign nuclear energy cooperation agreement

Bangladesh and the United States signed an agreement in New York to cooperate on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, amid delays in uranium fuel shipments for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/waaree-clean-energy-enters-indias-specialty-gases-market

---
Cite as: Bangladesh nuclear energy cooperation and Rooppur progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bangladesh-nuclear-energy-cooperation-and-fuel-logistics