Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today expressed concerns over the safety and reliability of the Rooppur nuclear power plant project.

"Even reputed Russian environmentalists consider Russian nuclear reactors unsafe," TIB's Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said in a statement.

He said he was particularly concerned that Russian nuclear reactors will be used in the plant.

Terming the signing of the agreement with Russia as a positive and bold step by the government towards a relatively low-carbon source of energy, the TIB expressed the concern as Bangladesh will have to depend mostly on foreign supplier for necessary raw materials, skills and expertise.

"Atomsroyexport, owned jointly by Rosatom and Gazprombank, both Russian State-owned institutions, is not known to be credible enough to ensure suppliers' liability in case of accident."

Quoting media reports, Dr Zaman further observed that the total cost of two power plants shot up to nearly US$ 13 billion in last three months from around US$ 4 billion.

"This variation in the cost of the project can potentially raise many questions. Since the people of Bangladesh will eventually bear the burden of this project, they have a right to know all relevant information in this regard," he added.