New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has hit out at Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government over the alleged graft accusations related to the Rooppur nuclear power project in Bangladesh. In a significant statement on Tuesday, Russia’s nuclear energy agency, Rosatom, described the remarks by the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission as an “attempt to tarnish” the Rooppur nuclear power project.
In the statement, Rosatom reiterated that the US$2.65 billion Rooppur project is transparent and open and that it is ready to defend the charges in court. The corruption charges were levelled by the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government, which took reins after Sheikh Hasina’s government was toppled in Bangladesh.
‘Committed to policy of openness’
In a statement, Rosatom pointed out, “Rosatom is committed to a policy of openness in all its projects and the principle of tackling corruption, maintaining a transparent procurement system. External audits regularly confirm the openness of the project’s business processes. Rosatom State Corporation is ready to defend its interests and reputation in court.”
What are the allegations?
On Monday, the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission had issued a statement alleging that the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members, including her niece and UK MP Tulip Siddiq, transferred around US$900 million to offshore entities in Malaysia.
Mentioning an internal investigation report, the panel said that it had detected “irregularities” amounting to almost US$5 billion in the Rooppur nuclear power project, under construction since 2011. A BDNews report said that the Rooppur nuclear power plant project is under scanner for an alleged embezzlement of US$5 billion.
