AHMED HUMAYUN KABIR TOPU. Pabna

For residents of Rooppur, the nuclear power plant project was long seen as a pipe dream that remained unfulfilled for decades. As the plant now moves toward trial operations, a sense of excitement and uncertainty grips those living near the country’s first-ever nuclear facility.

​“As children, we watched that empty site with curiosity, having little grasp of what ‘nuclear’ truly meant. As we transitioned from childhood to middle age, we watched the geography of our homes shift, waiting for the promise to manifest,” said Amirul Islam, a 65-year-old retired primary school teacher from Rooppur village.

Now, that dream is finally coming into view. The cooling towers of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) stand tall on the once-barren shoal land. With the recent commencement of fuel loading, the plant has officially transitioned from a construction site to an operational facility.

​“This is a proud moment for all of us,” said Amirul Islam. “But at the same time, we are worried about our safety.”

The sentiments of this retired teacher mirror the duality felt across the community.

Rafikul Islam Mukul, a teacher at Solimpur Degree College, said, ​“We urge the government to ensure safety planning for local people in the event of a crisis.”

​He noted that most residents do not know what to do if a risk arises. “We are also worried about radioactive waste. Although we know Russia will take back the spent fuel, we have no clear idea of how that process works,” Mukul added.

Speaking to this newspaper, ​Dr Shafiqul Islam, a professor in the nuclear engineering department at Dhaka University, noted that the RNPP utilises advanced technology with minimal risk, while also stressing the need for a robust evacuation plan.

​“Almost everyone admits to lacking a clear understanding of how nuclear technology works,” Dr Shafiqul noted. “People are unaware of how to survive in the event of a radiation leak. Most do not understand radioactive waste; much of their fear is based on rumours, which creates unnecessary anxiety.”

​He stressed that as fuel loading begins, authorities must educate locals on safety protocols, evacuation plans, and emergency medical treatment. “The fear of nuclear energy must be addressed. Modern technology is significantly safer than previous generations, but that message isn’t reaching the people.”

​EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Soikat Ahmed, the information focal point officer at the plant, told The Daily Star that an emergency response system has already been developed inside the facility, adding that awareness programmes are being carried out for the surrounding population.

​“We are working to raise awareness by organising a series of field meetings in villages surrounding the plant. We inform residents about the safety systems and how to act during a crisis,” Ahmed said, noting that these meetings occur monthly to address public concerns.

Md Khalequzzaman, deputy project director, said the plant has a sophisticated multi-tiered Emergency Response System (ERS).

“Firstly, the 300‑metre restricted zone, the highest‑risk area, lies fully within the project boundary wall. Beyond that, a 5km warning zone is equipped with a Local Warning System (LWS) to alert residents of atmospheric changes. In addition, a 12.5km monitoring radius is covered by 23 Automatic Environment Radiation Monitoring Systems (AERMS), providing real‑time data.”

Khalequzzaman added that radiation levels would be continually monitored and that immediate action would be taken if any urgency arose.

He also noted that the facility also includes a fortified underground Emergency Response Center (ERC) capable of shielding 1,200 employees, allowing them to operate the plant remotely during a threat. Two external shelters are also prepared to house an additional 1,200 people.

​When asked about evacuating the general public in the event of an emergency, the deputy project director said while it is practically impossible to evacuate such a large population quickly, the authorities will ensure the highest safety and security measures. This includes providing a necessary emergency response in any critical situation as per international guidelines.

​Furthermore, emergency radiation prevention pills (iodine tablets) have been stockpiled for distribution if necessary, said the information focal point officer.