Bangladesh's interim government expressed its gratitude on Wednesday for Russia's crucial support in developing a controversial nuclear plant, during the first visit of Alexey Likhachev, the head of Russia's state-owned Rosatom, since last year's revolution in Dhaka.

Construction of the Rooppur nuclear plant began in 2017 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who ruled with an iron fist. The project, which has faced multiple delays, is expected to generate 2,400 megawatts of power and will become Bangladesh's largest power station upon completion, providing much-needed relief to an overburdened energy grid.

Likhachev, who last visited Bangladesh in April 2024 just before the student-led uprising that led to Hasina's ousting in August, met with interim leader Muhammad Yunus. The two leaders discussed the "continued collaboration" between Bangladesh and Russia on the Rooppur project.

"We look forward to your continued support, which is crucial for us," Yunus told the Russian delegation, according to a statement from his office.

The Rooppur plant, a $12.65 billion infrastructure project, was Hasina's most expensive undertaking, with 90% of its funding coming from a loan provided by Moscow. However, the project has been marred by allegations of corruption.

Hasina, 77, fled to India, her long-time ally, where she has resisted extradition requests from Bangladesh to face charges, including mass murder. In December, Bangladesh's anti-corruption commission launched an investigation into Hasina and her family, focusing on the alleged embezzlement of $5 billion linked to the Rooppur project.

Yunus's office stated that the two sides also discussed Bangladesh's credit agreement with Russia, with proposals to extend the agreement until the end of 2026.

Bangladesh, home to around 170 million people, currently relies heavily on electricity imports from neighboring India, especially during peak demand in the scorching heat, when air conditioners are widely used.

Relations between Bangladesh and India have become strained, with Dhaka calling for Hasina's return to face charges.