Rooppur power plant: Rosatom trashes report on bribing Hasina

Reports emerged on Sunday claiming that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embezzled $5 billion (approximately Tk 590 billion) from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom has been implicated as a facilitator in this massive embezzlement scheme. However, Rosatom has categorically denied these allegations.

In a statement issued on Monday, Rosatom refuted the claims of financial misconduct related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The agency stressed its commitment to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and open procurement processes.

"Rosatom rejects the provocative news published and circulated in the media regarding unethical financial transactions in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. We are committed to transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in all procurement processes," the statement read.

The statement further asserted that the reports are considered an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, which is being implemented to address Bangladesh’s electricity shortage and to benefit the public.

The allegations were initially reported by a website named Global Defense Corp, which focuses on investigating corruption in military and defence sectors worldwide. The website claimed that Sheikh Hasina, along with her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and niece Tulip Siddiq, were involved in the embezzlement of $5 billion from the project.