Dhaka, Oct. 11 -- A controlled nuclear reaction (criticality) was successfully achieved for the first time at the unit -1 of the Roopur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) on Sunday, marking a major milestone toward commercial electricity generation in Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the nuclear reaction commenced at around 3:30 PM on Sunday.

Ministry officials said several days of stability monitoring and sequential testing will now be conducted to ensure full operational safety.

Located in Ishwardi, Pabna, Roopur is Bangladesh's pioneering nuclear power facility, constructed with Russian technical and financial cooperation.

The plant features two advanced VVER-1200 reactors, which will collectively generate 2...