Researching Public Perception of Nuclear Energy in Bangladesh

Published 03/26/2025 in Scholar Travel Stipend
Written by Ashfah Alam | 03/26/2025

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. As the country seeks to transition toward a more sustainable energy future, understanding the public perception of nuclear energy is crucial. My research examines how the tangible economic benefits of RNPP such as job creation, infrastructure development, and regional economic stimulation shape public support for nuclear energy.

Specifically, my question is important because it can add to discourse on how to increase public support for climate-related infrastructure and policy, particularly in developing countries where people prioritize economic development over environmental awareness. The World Values Survey, which asks a representative sample of adults across various countries about their social, economic, and political attitudes, asks respondents which of the two statements better reflects their view: protecting the environment should be given priority even if it causes slower economic growth and some loss of jobs, or economic growth and creating jobs should be the top priority even if the environment suffers to some extent. While there is some variation, support for protecting the environment tends to be higher as income rises (Glennerster et al., 2023).

Bangladesh faces a dual challenge: meeting its growing energy demand while transitioning to sustainable sources. Historically reliant on natural gas and coal, the country has increasingly looked toward nuclear power as a long-term solution. The RNPP, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is expected to supply 2,400 MW of electricity, significantly boosting the national grid. Public acceptance of nuclear energy is often shaped by economic and social factors rather than purely environmental considerations. While nuclear energy is frequently framed in terms of sustainability, safety concerns and historical associations with nuclear disasters often breed skepticism. However, in Bangladesh, where economic growth and job creation are pressing priorities, the economic benefits of RNPP may play a pivotal role in shaping public perception. My research investigates whether these short-term economic incentives translate into broader support for the government's nuclear energy agenda.

A view of the RNPP in construction located on the bank of the Padma River

A view of the RNPP in construction located on the bank of the Padma River.

After a 20+ hour flight, I arrived in Bangladesh over my winter break to conduct focus group discussions with various stakeholders in two different groups: one group living within 5km of the plant and experiencing the associated economic development benefits associated with plant construction and another living within 30km of the plant that still experiences the risks of nuclear energy, is aware of the project, but is not experiencing any immediate economic benefits that group A is experiencing.

In Rooppur, I interviewed students, professors, business owners, workers in the plant, and politically-affiliated individuals. Overall, access to direct benefits seemed to be associated with positive support for the plant, as I identified from group interviews with these different groups. Something else that I also learned about was the presence of awareness initiatives in Rooppur led by the government. From murals to science competitions to curriculums designed for schools to town halls, the RNPP Public Awareness office attempted to influence public opinion directly.

Throughout the city, these efforts could be observed through murals. I had the opportunity to speak to them in their office, as well, and learn about their strategies to influence public opinion. Their primary strategy included targeting students in schools to a) influence family opinions from their children and b) motivate students to pursue the sciences so they could contribute to nuclear energy development and maintenance in the country in the future.

Murals in support of nuclear energy located in front of the residential quarters for Russian staff working on the project2.

In Kushtia, Kumarkhali, I interviewed students, professors, rural villagers, and legal professionals to gather insights across various stakeholders. To my surprise, this group had more of a neutral view of nuclear energy, unlike my hypothesis that they would have a more negative view since they were not experiencing direct economic benefits from the plant construction. 

While this group did have a more negative perception than the Rooppur group, I was surprised that the difference was not more disparate. Some of the reasons noted for this more neutral standpoint that could be investigated for further research include a lack of awareness about the extent of risks associated with nuclear energy (leading them to not prioritize this issue as much) and a perception that future benefits outweigh the lack of present benefits. These are trends I observed in my focus group discussions across this group.

Areas interviewed in Kushtia Kumarkhali were much more rural in nature2.

This analysis provides key insights into the interplay between economic incentives, public trust, and sustainable energy policy, aligning with the missions of the Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation, both of which emphasize innovative policy solutions, economic development, and global prosperity. The Milken Institute’s commitment to advancing collaborative solutions that drive meaningful economic and social progress is directly reflected in my research, which investigates how economic benefits shape public support for sustainable infrastructure projects. By identifying the factors that influence public perception of nuclear energy in Bangladesh, my findings contribute to a broader understanding of how emerging economies can balance economic growth with sustainability goals. Moreover, the Milken Family Foundation's focus on education and knowledge-sharing as pathways to positive societal change resonates with the public awareness initiatives I documented at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Targeted awareness efforts such as educational curricula, science competitions, and public engagement campaigns mirror the foundation’s dedication to empowering individuals through education and skill development. By learning about these awareness strategies and their role in shaping public attitudes, my research is related with the foundation’s mission to leverage education as a tool for long-term social and economic advancement.

My hope for this study, which informs my Political Science Honors Senior Thesis, is that it can allow me to contribute to policy discussions on fostering greater public support for climate-related infrastructure, particularly in developing nations where economic incentives play a crucial role in shaping opinions. I am appreciative of the Milken Institute and Milken Family Foundation for making my travel and qualitative research process possible.

 

Sources:

World Values Survey. World Values Survey Wave 8 Questionnaire. 2024. https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/documents/WVS-8_QUESTIONNAIRE_V11_FINAL_Jan_ 2024.pdf.

Glennerster, Rachel, and Seema Jayachandran. 2023. Think Globally, Act Globally: Opportunities to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Princeton: Global Center for Energy Policy Studies.

https://gceps.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/wp313_JayachandranGlennerster_Act_ Globally.pdf.