A controlled nuclear reaction (criticality) was successfully achieved for the first time at the unit -1 of the Roopur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) on Sunday, marking a major milestone toward commercial electricity generation in Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the nuclear reaction commenced at around 3:30 PM on Sunday.

Ministry officials said several days of stability monitoring and sequential testing will now be conducted to ensure full operational safety.

Located in Ishwardi, Pabna, Roopur is Bangladesh's pioneering nuclear power facility, constructed with Russian technical and financial cooperation.

The plant features two advanced VVER-1200 reactors, which will collectively generate 2,400 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity once both units are fully operational.

The initial phase of fuel loading for the first unit took place in late April.

The development came three days after the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted final approval on Thursday for electricity generation from the first unit of the country’s largest power project, built in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said preparations were underway to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by late November.

The initial plan is to complete the required stages successfully and gradually increase the unit’s output capacity, he said.

The commissioning process is being carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).