First criticality marks the point at which a reactor produces a self‑sustaining nuclear chain reaction, a prerequisite for commissioning. It signals that the VVER‑1200 core at Rooppur can now generate heat without external neutron sources.NEUPARA The plant is built by Russia’s Rosatom under a 2015 contract and incorporates Generation‑III+ safety features. Bangladeshi engineers received training from India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, adding a cross‑border technical collaboration.NEUPEAR South Asia already hosts nuclear power in India and Pakistan; India operates 8.78 GW across 13 reactors, while Pakistan’s six plants supply about 3,500 MW. Bangladesh’s 2,400 MW Rooppur project will make it the region’s newest nuclear producer.NEUGR Commercial operation will follow a series of load‑increase tests, grid‑connection trials, and regulatory sign‑off. The first power pulse is expected by March 2027, after successful ramp‑up to 1,200 MW per unit.NEUMAN Workers at the site say the plant will generate hundreds of jobs and help ease chronic power shortages. The government views the reactor as a cornerstone for meeting the country’s projected 1.5 GW renewable target by 2035.