Allegations of scam in Rooppur nuclear project

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and her family are facing serious allegations of corruption. While the Bangladesh government has sent a diplomatic note to India to send them back to Dhaka, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated a probe into corruption in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project against Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajib Ahmed Wajed, and niece Tulip Siddiq. Done.

Rooppur project: center of corruption allegations

Rooppur Nuclear Plant is being set up for Bangladesh in collaboration with Russia and India.

• Project value: $12.65 billion (about Rs 1 lakh crore)
• Allegations: The cost of the project was inflated, with $5 billion (about Rs 418 billion) embezzled.
• Investigation claims: It is alleged that the amount was laundered through Malaysian bank accounts.

Allegations and role of the family

1. Sheikh Hasina:
   • Allegations of irregularities in the project while he was Prime Minister.
   • ACC has also initiated investigation against him in other projects.
2. Sajeeb Ahmed Wajed:
   • Hasina’s son accused of being involved in increasing the cost of the project.
3. Tulip Siddiq:
   • British MP and niece of Sheikh Hasina.
   • It is alleged that he played a big role in the deal of this project between Russia and Bangladesh in 2013.
   • He has been questioned by the British Cabinet’s propriety and ethics team.
4. Sheikh Rehana:
   • Involved in allegations of corruption in Hasina’s sister and other projects.

Irregularities revealed in investigation

• Mismanagement and bribery: Allegations of corruption and abuse of power under the project.
• Money Laundering: Accusation of sending money abroad.
• International impact: Investigation of documents related to the project by British and Bangladeshi authorities.

Strategic importance of the project and controversy

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant serves the energy needs of Bangladesh and is a symbol of Russia-India cooperation.

• It is being built by Rosatom, Russia’s government nuclear agency.
• This project was considered the first example of nuclear projects in third countries under India-Russia cooperation.
• But now, allegations of corruption and money laundering have raised questions about its credibility.

Sheikh Hasina and Awami League’s answer

Sheikh Hasina and her party Awami League have not yet given any official response to these allegations.

• Hasina is in India after leaving the post of Prime Minister in August.
• The Bangladesh government has made a formal request to India regarding his return.

Tulip Siddiq called the allegations a conspiracy

British MP Tulip Siddiq has rejected these allegations and called it a political conspiracy.

• He said,
  

  “I didn’t do anything wrong. This allegation is a conspiracy to defame me and my family.”

Nine projects under scrutiny

Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigation into corruption worth 80,000 crore Bangladeshi taka (about ₹64,000 crore) in nine projects including the Rooppur project.

• Prominent among these are Rooppur Atomic Energy Project and Special Shelter Project.

Role of India and Russia

The Rooppur project has participation from Indian and Russian firms.

• India has helped in the development of infrastructure of this project.
• It is a symbol of India-Russia strategic relations and economic cooperation with Bangladesh.

But these allegations may damage the image of the project.