🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules around recreational & commercial drone uses in Bangladesh (Dhaka). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs commercial drone use in Bangladesh
Bangladesh does not differentiate commercial & recreational drone uses. However, both are subject to restrictions & a code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight , different rules will apply.
✅ In Bangladesh, the regulation and control of drone use falls under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: dfsr@caab.gov.bd
Phone: (+880) 2 8901406 or (+880) 2 8901418
Can I travel to Bangladesh with my drone?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Bangladesh (Dhaka) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person). As import rules often change in Bangladesh, make sure to visit the Bengali Government Rules and Regulations site prior taking off.
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Bangladesh?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Bangladesh "If you have more information about this, please let us on the Forum know anytime". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way organised in a 3 colour legend:
Bangladesh Drone Fly Map
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
Recreational & commercial drone use in Bangladesh
🚨 Before flying your drone in Bangladesh, you will need to ask for a permit. Another requirement for all drone pilots is to have some proof of qualification and to be at least 18 years old. Once you fit these requirements, you will still need to follow the common rules specified by the Civil Aviation of Bangladesh which ask you to fly:
at a maximum altitude of 61 m, always in sight and during day time only (Drone Goggles are explicitly forbidden in Bangladesh).
away from private property, infrastructure (roads, etc), vehicles in movement, etc.
at least 300 m away from people or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
at least 9.26 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
at least 9.26 km from any urban area.
with a third party insurance covering all risks (this is compulsory).
only one drone at a time.
at least 8 hours after consuming any kind/quantity of drugs or alcohol.
obtain the consent (ideally written) of any land owner or public institution lands you intend to take off from or land onto (unless emergency landing).
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
without carrying, dropping or towing anything from your drone.
✅ While flying your drone in Bangladesh, you should always have with you:
a copy of your insurance.
your permit to operate your drone in Bangladesh.
a copy of your drone manufacturer's book.
an identity card showing your photo, full name, address and phone.
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How to apply for a permit to fly my drone in Bangladesh?
✅ Good news first, as the process is pretty straight forward. In every case you will need to complete this online form and send it back to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh. To complete it, you will need:
your full personal details
the name of the pilot (if different)
your flights' purpose, time and location
a full description of your drone (providing photos will help)
your insurance policy details
your emergency plan and contact details
Once completed, you can return it to dfsr@caab.gov.bd, if you need help while completing it, you can also call at (+880) 2 8901406 or (+880) 2 8901418
🕐 Note that all permit requests should be lodged at least 60 days prior your flight day.
How to obtain a license to fly my drone in Bangladesh?
🚨 The process to obtain a drone pilot's license from Bangladesh remains uncertain today and little information is available. If you have any, please feel free to share it anytime in the Forum so we can update this post in turn for all to know.
🌏 This said, Bengali Civil Aviation Authorities specified that foreign qualifications should be recognised as long as you can prove your formation included:
airspace classification and structure.
Meteorological and NOT AM reporting services.
Interpretation of aeronautical charts.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Bangladesh?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
✅ Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Bangladesh's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Bangladesh! Have fun & safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
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