New Delhi, July 12 -- On the banks of the Padma River in western Bangladesh, the country's first nuclear power plant has become an unlikely attraction, with visitors gathering to take selfies against the backdrop of its four giant ivory-coloured cooling towers.

Once fully operational in 2028, the two Russian-designed reactors at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant are expected to generate enough electricity to meet nearly 15% of Bangladesh's power demand. The ambitious project represents a major bet that nuclear energy can help an emerging economy secure reliable electricity supplies while managing costs. Developing countries around the world are watching closely as Bangladesh moves ahead with the initiative.

Nuclear power has witnessed ren...