“Bangladesh is set to become the world’s 33rd country to generate electricity using nuclear energy,” stated a representative from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. This pivotal moment comes as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins its fuel loading process, a crucial step toward generating electricity.
The Rooppur project represents Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure initiative, with a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts. The plant comprises 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.
This move towards nuclear energy reflects Bangladesh’s need for enhanced energy security. As the nation grapples with rising electricity demand and limited resources, nuclear power could meet an estimated 10-12 percent of its future electricity needs.
However, this transition raises questions about fiscal policies. Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio hovers near 7%, one of the lowest in Asia. A targeted inheritance or net-wealth levy could potentially raise an additional $1.5-1.7 billion annually. Yet, as noted by experts, “The political case however is another matter. Inheritance tax is unpopular almost everywhere it exists.”
The International Monetary Fund forecasts that by 2026, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP may surpass India’s—an intriguing prospect given its current economic trajectory. Presently, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP is nearly twice that of Assam.
As Bangladesh embarks on this new chapter in its energy landscape, officials have yet to confirm how these developments will influence broader economic policies or social equity issues related to taxation and wealth distribution.
