B'desh easing rules allowing drones for research, entertainment

The Bangladesh government was easing rules to allow the use of drones for research, survey, photography, movie-making, feasibility studies and entertainment, it was reported.

Dhaka, Feb 29 The Bangladesh government was easing rules to allow the use of drones for research, survey, photography, movie-making, feasibility studies and entertainment, it was reported.

The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry has taken opinions from stakeholders after drafting the guidelines on registering and flying unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs.

Joint Secretary to the Civil Aviation Ministry Jnanendra Nath Sarker told bdnews24 on Friday that the draft will be finalised next week.

No permission will be required to fly drones that do not weigh more than 7 kg in an altitude below 50 feet and 3 km away from airports and Key Point Installations (KPI).

To fly drones three and a half kilometres away from the airports and KPIs, the maximum altitude will be 100 feet.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh's permission will be required in all other cases, bdnews24 reported.

For drones weighing over 7 kg, the importers will need permission from the Defence Ministry.

Anyone will be able to operate drones for entertainment. For other purposes, the operator will have to be at least 18 years old.

Those found in breach of the rules will face punishment and fines under related laws.

( With inputs from IANS )