Russia keen to help set up nuke, hydro plants

Russia yesterday expressed its willingness to help Bangladesh in setting up nuclear and hydropower plants, as the country is facing acute power shortages.
Ambassador of the Russian Federation Gennady Trotsenko stated his government's desire when he called on Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Jamuna.
Russian envoy said if Bangladesh wants, it would help the country to modernise Ashuganj and Ghorashal power plants to increase their production capacity, Press Secretary to the PM Abul Kalam Azad briefed newsmen after the meeting.
As the country's power crisis came up for discussion, Hasina requested the envoy to assist Bangladesh in setting up Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and small hydropower plants on the country's rivers and haors.
In reply, the ambassador said Bangladesh government can take help as his country has expertise in installing such power plants.
The envoy also expressed deep shock at the death of country's talented army officers in the February 25-26 Pilkhana carnage.
Gennady praised the prime minister for her wisdom and farsightedness in tackling the Pilkhana crisis quickly and peacefully.
He also expressed interest to work for infrastructure development in Bangladesh.
The prime minister and the Russian ambassador hoped that the existing friendly relationship between two countries would strengthen further in the days to come.
In the meeting the PM was invited to visit Russia at a time of her convenience.
Prime Minister's Office Secretary Mollah Wahiduzzaman was present.