Regarding the allegations of mismanagement of funds related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by the previous government, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin on Monday said they are not in a position to comment on the political processes in the country, including the allegations.

“However, I would like to note that at all times in Bangladesh, both on the part of the Customer and the supervising agencies, we have seen a focus on cooperation with the Russian party and willingness to discuss the requirements of our joint project - the first NPP in Bangladesh,” he said when his comments sought on allegations of mismanagement of Rooppur NPP’s fund.

In all aspects, the Ambassador said, the issues of proper utilization of funds require careful control and documentation during project implementation.

He said the Rooppur NPP project has ensured maximum transparency in the acceptance and signing of milestone achievement certificates for all types of works as well as manufacturing and supply of equipment.

The envoy said his country has rescheduled the loan repayment deadline to September 15, 2028 for Rooppur NPP.

“According to the amended Protocol to the aforementioned Agreement, approved by the Ministries of Finance of Russia and Bangladesh, the first installment of the loan repayment is now scheduled for September 15, 2028,” said the Ambassador while responding to a question.

During his first interaction with a small group of journalists since his arrival in Dhaka, he said in July of this year, the parties agreed to adjust the repayment schedule for the main loan obligation.

Specifically, in view of the extension of the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA), the commencement of the main debt repayment has been deferred by 1.5 years, he said.

Extension of the IGCA, as well as the Letter of Credit, indicates renewal of the state export credit provision to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for financing the construction of Rooppur NPP, said the Ambassador. “That ensured continuity of financial operations for the Project.”

At the moment, he said, the work is focused on commissioning Unit No.1 of Rooppur NPP, which is at the final stage of readiness: final works and execution of the necessary documentation are being actively implemented.

“A set of activities is currently underway, including: performance of final construction and erection, as well as start-up and adjustment works; passing mandatory checks and inspections; and obtaining authorization documents from the regulatory authorities,” he said.

Ambassador Khozin emphasized that successful and timely completion of the project is the result of well-coordinated work of the whole team.

“Prompt feedback and efficient interaction with the Customer allow us to effectively solve arising problems and move towards achievement of the target,” he said.

As early as next year, the envoy said, they plan to start supplying the first megawatts of electricity to the power grid system of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

This will be an important milestone in implementation of the project and will confirm its readiness for full-scale operation, he said.

“We are making all necessary efforts and systematic progress towards commissioning of the facility,” the Russian Ambassador said.

In all aspects, he said, the issues of proper utilization of funds require careful control and documentation during project implementation.

Russia wants Dhaka to reduce tensions domestically, also with India

Rooppur NPP project has ensured maximum transparency in the acceptance and signing of milestone achievement certificates for all types of works as well as manufacturing and supply of equipment, the envoy said.

The interactive session was held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Alexandra Khlevnoy, the Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, among others, spoke at the session.