“Bangladesh is set to become the world’s 33rd country to generate electricity using nuclear energy,” said an official at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. This announcement comes as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins fuel loading, a pivotal moment for the nation.
The Rooppur project, located in Bangladesh, is the largest infrastructure initiative in the country. With a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts, it consists of two units—each capable of producing 1,200 megawatts. By August, around 300 megawatts of electricity is expected to be supplied to the national grid on a trial basis.
As Bangladesh moves forward with this project, it stands to meet approximately 10-12 percent of its electricity demand. The full-scale commercial generation may take up to ten months after trial generation begins.
The significance of this development extends beyond just energy production. With the tax-to-GDP ratio in Bangladesh hovering near 7 percent, among the lowest in Asia, discussions about tax policy are gaining traction. A targeted inheritance or net-wealth levy could potentially raise around $1.5-1.7 billion annually.
However, implementing such a wealth tax remains politically sensitive. “The political case however is another matter. Inheritance tax is unpopular almost everywhere it exists,” an economist noted. Still, Bangladesh now appears to be weighing such an option.
The International Monetary Fund has projected that by 2026, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP will exceed that of India, reflecting its economic growth trajectory. Currently, its per capita GDP is nearly twice that of Assam’s.
This ambitious nuclear project not only aims to enhance energy security but also positions Bangladesh as a growing player in the global energy landscape. As officials prepare for the next phases of development, they remain focused on balancing economic growth with sustainable practices.
