(BSS) - Work is progressing to start supplying electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to the national grid by November this year, with the project`s initial physical and criticality tests having successfully begun.

The target has also been set to complete fuel loading, or the reactor start-up process, for the plant`s second unit by June next year.

The progress and future action plans of the project were discussed in detail at the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Science and Technology held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today.

The developments were presented at the meeting.

The meeting, chaired by Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu, MP, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Science and Technology and whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, was informed that the authorities were optimistic about starting electricity supply within the scheduled timeframe following fruitful discussions with Russia`s state-owned atomic energy corporation Rosatom.

Highlighting the safety and technical aspects of the project, the meeting was told that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is a modern third-generation nuclear power facility. Every stage of the project is being implemented in accordance with international standards and under strict supervision by experts. The meeting also noted that assessments by international energy experts indicated that the project was on the right track.

Alongside electricity generation, initiatives are also underway to expand nuclear medicine facilities in the country`s health sector to the district level and to construct the country`s first research vessel, the meeting was informed.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and other committee members attended the meeting.

Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain, senior officials of the ministry and relevant departments and agencies, and officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present.