Mir Afroz Zaman

Flying drones is prohibited in VVIP and sensitive areas of the capital, including Sangsad Bhavan, Old Airport, Chandrima Udyan, Prime Minister's Office, Gana Bhavan and Banga Bhavan.

Hossain Mohammad Mayaz (28), son of former member of parliament HM Golam Reza, got into trouble by flying a drone in this sensitive area on April 15 to take pictures and video of Alpana painted on Manik Avenue road on the occasion of New Year. Shere Bangla police arrested him. He was later released on police bond.

Regarding flying the drone, Hossain Mohammad Mayaz said that he used his personal drone MAVIC AIR-3 without prior permission to take a videography and photograph of Alpana painted on Manik Mia Avenue on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh and it was his unintentional mistake.

He expressed regret for his mistake saying that the area is restricted and he should have been aware for the sake of security.

Saying that he will be fully respectful of the law, Mayaz also promised that he will never do such activities again in the future.

Bangladesh like other countries of the world has restrictions on flying drones in sensitive and important areas for security reasons. Flying of drones is prohibited especially in the red zone.

According to the law, the use of drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems, remote controlled toy planes, kites and laser beams in the country's airspace requires permission from the government. For this prior permission should be taken as per the form given on the website of Civil Aviation Authority (www.caab.gov.bd) before a specified time.

In a recent press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR) urged not to fly drones without permission. Flying systems (UAV/RPAS), remote controlled toy airplanes, kites and lanterns etc. Such unauthorized flying in the interests of public life and national security, is considered as a threat to national security, which is also a punishable offense under the existing laws of Bangladesh.

When asked about the flying of drones in the red zone, the ADC of Mohammadpur zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Tenjgao Division said. Roshanul Haque Saikat said that there are strict restrictions on flying drones in sensitive and important areas in all countries of the world for safety. Flying drones in sensitive areas is also prohibited in our country. It is necessary for the security of important institutions and individuals of the state.

He asked everyone to refrain from flying drones in important areas of the country including Banga Bhavan, Gana Bhavan, Sangsad Bhavan, Prime Minister's Office, Airport, Chandrima Udyan and other important areas of the country.

ADC Saikat also said that according to the Drone Registration and Flight Policy-2020, there are drone operation zones in Bangladesh, where flying drones is prohibited in the red zone. Airports or particular KPIs fall within the red zone. Drones cannot be flown in the red zone without special permission; It is important for everyone to be aware of this. The security of KPI is closely related to the security of the state of any country.