Introduction: When the Towers Fall Silent
Imagine this: It’s a late August afternoon in Feni. The water has been rising for days. Your phone shows “No Service.” The internet is gone. The power went out hours ago. You can see the flooded road from your rooftop, but you have no way to tell anyone that you’re trapped, that your neighbour’s child is sick, that the bridge to the next village is gone.
Now imagine a different scenario. A licensed amateur radio operator, sitting in the Deputy Commissioner’s office with a handheld transceiver and a backup battery, is relaying your exact location to the Bangladesh Army. Within hours, a rescue boat is on its way. That is not a hypothetical. That is what happened in Feni during the devastating floods of August 2024, and it is exactly why amateur radio—often called “ham radio”—matters in Bangladesh today.
This article is for anyone who wants to understand how amateur radio works as a disaster preparedness tool in Bangladesh, how you can become a licensed operator, and why this century-old technology is more relevant than ever in a country that sits on the frontlines of climate change. We’ll cover the history, the legal framework, the real-life case studies, the technical essentials, and the future of emergency communication in Bangladesh. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of why the airwaves remain the most reliable lifeline when everything else goes dark.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: When the Towers Fall Silent
- A Brief History: From 1979 to the Digital Age
- The Legal Framework: How Licensing Works in Bangladesh
- When the Floods Came: The 2024 Feni Story
- Testing the System: The 2026 Nationwide Drill
- The Technology: What You Need to Know
- The Organisations: Who’s Who in Bangladeshi Ham Radio
- The Policy Push: What the Community Is Asking For
- Bangladesh’s Vulnerability: Why This Matters More Than Ever
- How to Get Involved: A Practical Guide
- The Future: Building a Resilient National Network
- Conclusion: The Airwaves Are Always Open
A Brief History: From 1979 to the Digital Age
Amateur radio in Bangladesh has a story worth telling. It began in 1979, when a group of radio enthusiasts founded the Bangladesh Amateur Radio League (BARL) and began lobbying the government to legalise amateur radio operation in the country. At that time, the nation was still recovering from the 1971 Liberation War, and the telecommunications landscape was fragile. For over a decade, BARL’s efforts went unanswered.
Then came 1991. A catastrophic cyclone struck the coast of Bangladesh, and the existing telecommunications infrastructure—limited as it was—collapsed. In the chaos that followed, the government finally recognised what amateur radio operators had been arguing all along: a decentralised, independent radio network could save lives when everything else failed. On 29 August 1991, amateur radio was legalised in Bangladesh, albeit with significant restrictions.
The journey since then has not been smooth. In 2004, the government suspended amateur radio licence examinations and grants. It took persistent lobbying by BARL representatives to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to reinstate the licensing process, which finally resumed on 13 August 2008. Since then, the community has grown steadily. As of the most recent BTRC data, 813 individuals have received call signs through formal examinations, and an additional 365 candidates from the 2025 licensing exam are currently in the process of receiving their licences.
The 2025 exam saw a record turnout of approximately 920 candidates, a clear sign that interest in amateur radio is surging across the country. Bangladesh is also making its mark on the international stage. In August 2025, Bangladeshi operator Syed Nakib Ahmed (S21NKB) represented the Amateur Radio Society of Bangladesh (ARSB) at the Tokyo Ham Fair, where he met with leaders from the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 3 and the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL), strengthening international cooperation and inviting global leaders to visit Bangladesh.
The Legal Framework: How Licensing Works in Bangladesh
If you are a Bangladeshi citizen and you want to become an amateur radio operator, the path is clearly defined—though it does require patience and preparation. The BTRC is the government authority responsible for licensing, call signs, spectrum regulation, and enforcement. Two national organisations support the community: the Amateur Radio Association of Bangladesh (ARAB), Bangladesh DX Club (BDXC) and the Amateur Radio Society of Bangladesh (ARSB). Both offer training, advocacy, and emergency communication preparedness.
Eligibility and Examination
The eligibility requirements are straightforward. A Bangladeshi citizen who meets the age requirement specified in the BTRC examination notice may apply. An engineering or technical degree is generally not required. The examination covers a broad range of subjects, including basic electronics and radio theory, amateur radio operating procedures, antenna and feed-line fundamentals, electrical and RF safety, interference identification and prevention, national and international radio regulations, and Morse code when required.
According to the BTRC syllabus, the written examination tests candidates on regulatory matters, frequencies and bands, Ohm’s Law, capacitors and inductors, safety procedures, semiconductors, meters and measuring, decibels, HF station arrangement, power supplies, general operating procedures, Q signals, antennas, propagation, and interference filtering. It is a comprehensive exam, but the study materials and preparation classes offered by ARAB, ARSB and BDXC make it accessible to anyone with genuine interest.
Licence Grades and Call Signs
Bangladesh issues two main grades of amateur radio licences. The Restricted Grade Licence is associated with authorised VHF/UHF operation for local and shorter-distance communication. The General Grade Licence may permit authorised operation on HF, VHF, and UHF bands for local and international communication. Every licensed station receives a unique call sign with the prefix S21—for example, S21ABC. This call sign identifies the station during local and international radio communication.
The Application Process
The process involves several steps. First, you study the fundamentals and operating procedures. Second, you apply when BTRC publishes an examination notice. Third, you pass the required written and practical examination. Fourth, you submit all required documents and fees. Fifth, you receive your licence and assigned call sign. Finally, you register your equipment by completing any required radio-equipment approval or registration with BTRC.
The required documents typically include attested photocopies of educational documents, a photocopy of your passport or National ID card, and a pay order or demand draft of Tk. 200 in favour of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. ARSB provides examination preparation, training, and general guidance throughout the process, so you do not have to navigate it alone.
One important point: transmitting on amateur radio frequencies without the required licence or authorisation is illegal. Unauthorised operation may result in seizure of radio equipment, financial penalties, and other legal or regulatory action. The community takes this seriously, and BTRC officials have repeatedly emphasised the importance of using only approved equipment and avoiding illegal walkie-talkies.
When the Floods Came: The 2024 Feni Story
To understand why amateur radio matters in Bangladesh, you need to look at what happened in August 2024. The southeastern districts of Feni and Comilla were submerged by catastrophic flooding. Power grids failed. Cell phone towers went offline. The internet became inaccessible. Communication—the very foundation of coordinated rescue—was non-existent.
The Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, NGOs, first responders, and volunteer teams were all mobilised. They reached the outskirts of Feni city, but they had no way to communicate with each other or with the authorities. Search-and-rescue operations and relief distribution were halted. People were stranded without any means of calling for help.
This is where the hams stepped in. Amateur radio operators from across Bangladesh rushed to Feni with handheld radios, batteries, and antennas. They set up a makeshift communication network in the Deputy Commissioner’s office and established control stations in Feni, Comilla, the Scout Headquarters, and East-West University in Dhaka. For days, they operated around the clock, relaying critical messages between the Army, first responders, and volunteer teams scattered across the flooded areas.
Their work was not glamorous. It was repetitive, exhausting, and often conducted in difficult conditions. But it enabled the coordination of life-saving rescue missions. Through the static of their radios, they ensured that aid reached those stranded in the most remote and inaccessible locations. Some hams even accompanied Army troops to ensure the rescue teams could reach the control room and that rescue requests could be conveyed to the field.
This was not an isolated incident. Amateur radio operators have played similar roles during Cyclone Remal, the Dhaka Bangabazar fire, and floods in Khulna. The Feni floods, however, brought national attention to the amateur radio community in a way that few previous events had. BTRC Commissioner (Engineering and Operations) Brigadier General (Retd) Iqbal Ahmed publicly praised the operators for their crucial role in network-isolated areas during the Feni floods, and the seminar that followed at BTRC headquarters brought together over a hundred operators from across the country.
Testing the System: The 2026 Nationwide Drill
If the Feni floods proved that amateur radio could work in a real emergency, the three-day nationwide drill in August 2026 proved that it could be systematically tested, refined, and integrated into official disaster response protocols.
Organised by the Fire Service and Civil Defence in collaboration with the Amateur Radio Association of Bangladesh (ARAB), the exercise ran from 23 to 25 August 2026. It spanned 16 locations across all eight divisions of the country, simulating a full range of disaster scenarios: earthquakes, cyclones, tidal surges, floods, radioactive incidents, and landslides.
The core objective was straightforward but vital: to test whether rescue and emergency services could remain operational if conventional communication networks collapsed during a major disaster. The drill specifically focused on how ARAB members could work alongside Fire Service personnel to establish and restore alternative radio communication systems if the Fire Service’s own network went down mid-disaster.
The exercise was conducted under the direction of Fire Service Director General Brig Gen Muhammad Zahed Kamal. On the second day, he visited the Mirpur site personally to inspect activities and brief the teams. On the final day, Lt Col MA Azad Anwar, Director of Training, Planning and Development, carried out the last full inspection. The closing session brought the exercise full circle: Lt Col Md Mahmudul Hasan established radio contact from the Fire Service’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Mirpur, linking up with Fire Service officials and ARAB representatives across every division in the country. The entire nationwide exercise was evaluated virtually before the drill was formally closed out.
This drill was significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated that amateur radio operators can integrate seamlessly with official emergency services—not as isolated volunteers, but as coordinated partners. Second, it tested the system across multiple disaster scenarios, not just floods. Third, it involved participation from every division, proving that the amateur radio network has genuinely national reach. As one observer noted, it was “a strong example of amateur radio doing exactly what it’s built for—stepping into the gap the moment conventional infrastructure can’t be relied on.”
The Technology: What You Need to Know
For readers who are new to amateur radio, the technical side can seem intimidating. But the basics are surprisingly accessible. Let’s break down the essential equipment, frequencies, and operating modes that matter for emergency communication in Bangladesh.
Equipment
Subject to your licence and current regulatory approval, the equipment you may use includes VHF/UHF handheld radios, mobile radios, base-station radios, HF transceivers, and approved antennas and related equipment. For emergency communication, the most practical setup for a beginner is a VHF/UHF handheld transceiver—often called a “handy”—which can be used for local communication within a district or division. A General Grade licence holder can also use HF equipment for regional and international coordination, which becomes crucial when local infrastructure is completely destroyed and you need to relay messages to Dhaka or beyond.
Power is a critical consideration. In a disaster scenario, mains electricity is likely to be unavailable. ARSB has identified off-grid power solutions as a critical hardware need, including solar panels, charge controllers, deep-cycle batteries, generators, and portable power stations. A simple solar setup with a deep-cycle battery can keep a handheld radio operating for days, which is more than enough to coordinate rescue efforts in a localised emergency.
Frequencies and Bands
Amateur radio operates on designated frequency bands. In Bangladesh, the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) specifies the amateur portions of various bands. For example, the 1.8–2.0 MHz (160 metres) band is allocated with amateur as a primary user, and the 3.5–4.0 MHz (80 metres) band is also available. On VHF, the 144–146 MHz band is allocated for amateur use, with the 146–148 MHz segment being primary for fixed and mobile services in Bangladesh.
For emergency communication, the specific frequencies used depend on the band plan and the nature of the emergency. Calling frequencies on VHF bands serve as “meeting places” for initial contact before operators move to another frequency for sustained communication. During a disaster, operators typically coordinate on pre-arranged frequencies to avoid congestion and ensure clear channels for emergency traffic.
The national band plan for Bangladesh was developed to align with NFAP, remain compatible with IARU Region 3 countries, and account for local technology and resource considerations. This was a significant achievement, as the previous NFAP was too summarised and did not meet ITU standards, causing problems with resource sharing, frequency overlapping with neighbouring countries, and interference with amateur satellite operations.
Modes of Communication
Amateur radio supports multiple modes of communication. SSB (Single Sideband) is commonly used on HF bands for long-distance voice communication. FM (Frequency Modulation) is standard on VHF/UHF bands for local communication. CW (Morse Code) remains a highly reliable mode, particularly when signal conditions are poor or when low power is essential. Digital modes such as packet radio and PSK31 allow data transmission over radio waves, which can be useful for sending text-based messages when voice communication is impractical.
For emergency communication, voice modes are usually preferred because they are immediate and require no special decoding equipment. However, in situations where signals are weak or interference is high, CW or digital modes can be more effective. This is why the licensing examination covers multiple modes and why operators are encouraged to maintain proficiency across different communication methods.
The Organisations: Who’s Who in Bangladeshi Ham Radio
Bangladesh Amateur Radio League (BARL)
BARL is the national member society representing Bangladesh in the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), which it joined in 1982. Founded on 20 May 1979, BARL is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocacy and education. Its current president is Ln. Mohammad Didarul Husain (S21DC). BARL’s historical role in lobbying for the legalisation of amateur radio in Bangladesh cannot be overstated. It was BARL’s persistent efforts that led to the resumption of licensing in 2008, and it remains an important voice for the community.
Amateur Radio Association of Bangladesh (ARAB)
ARAB is the premier national organisation for amateur radio operators in Bangladesh. Its mission is to promote amateur radio as a critical communication tool for public service, emergency preparedness, technological innovation, and community engagement. ARAB supports operators through training, advocacy, and practical engagement, and it organises regular workshops, field day events, nationwide disaster preparedness drills, and participation in national and international contests.
ARAB’s role in the 2026 nationwide drill with the Fire Service and Civil Defence was pivotal. The organisation’s General Secretary, Anup Kumar Bhowmik, was present at the exercise, and ARAB members worked alongside Fire Service personnel to establish alternative communication systems. ARAB’s president, Mir Shah Alam (S21 MIR), has emphasised that amateur radio is not merely a hobby but serves as a vital alternative communication system during disasters and emergencies.
Amateur Radio Society of Bangladesh (ARSB)
ARSB is another key organisation, focused on training, licensing support, and emergency communication preparedness. ARSB publishes the “Bridging the Silence” initiative, which seeks international partners, NGOs, and emergency-response organisations to help build a resilient, properly equipped, and highly trained national network. ARSB also provides examination preparation classes and study materials for prospective operators, and it has been actively involved in introducing amateur radio to university students and young people.
The Policy Push: What the Community Is Asking For
While the amateur radio community in Bangladesh has made significant strides, several policy challenges remain. At the July 2025 seminar at BTRC headquarters, representatives from ARAB and ARSB outlined a series of requests that they believe are essential for strengthening emergency communication in the country.
First, they called for the formal inclusion of amateur radio in official disaster protocols. This would mean that amateur radio operators are recognised as part of the national disaster response framework, not as informal volunteers but as designated participants in emergency communication plans. Second, they sought government recognition as first responders during disasters, which would give them legal standing and access to disaster zones.
Third, they requested the removal of customs complexities in importing receivers. Currently, importing radio equipment into Bangladesh involves significant bureaucratic hurdles, which makes it difficult for operators to acquire the equipment they need. Fourth, they asked for the simplification of the online licensing process. While BTRC has made progress in this area, further streamlining would encourage more people to become licensed operators.
Fifth, they called for the allocation of club call signs, which would allow organisations to operate stations under a single call sign for training and emergency purposes. Sixth, and perhaps most importantly, they requested the establishment of a nationwide repeater network. Repeaters extend the range of handheld radios by receiving signals on one frequency and retransmitting them on another, effectively creating a network that can cover the entire country. This would be a game-changer for emergency communication, as it would allow operators in Dhaka to communicate directly with operators in Feni or Khulna without relying on the internet or mobile networks.
BTRC Commissioner (Spectrum Division) Mahmud Hossain responded to these requests by assuring full support to amateur radio operators. He emphasised the importance of avoiding unauthorised walkie-talkies and encouraged the use of radio equipment in accordance with BTRC guidelines. He also extended gratitude to all participants for their active involvement.
Bangladesh’s Vulnerability: Why This Matters More Than Ever
To understand why amateur radio is so important in Bangladesh, you need to appreciate the scale of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Bangladesh is one of the world’s most geologically and climatically vulnerable nations. Its geography is a complex tapestry of river-delta systems, floodplains, and coastal communities. It sits near the interaction of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burmese tectonic systems, and experts have warned about the possibility of a major earthquake affecting this densely populated region.
Cyclones from the Bay of Bengal can cause storm surges that destroy coastal communication infrastructure. Monsoon flooding can submerge large areas and isolate communities for extended periods. Tornadoes and localised storms can devastate communities within minutes. And a major seismic event could simultaneously disrupt power, cellular, internet, and transportation systems across a wide area.
In all of these scenarios, the common thread is the failure of conventional communication infrastructure. Cellular towers may collapse. Fibre-optic cables can be damaged. Electrical grids can stop operating. Surviving networks may become severely congested. In these moments, amateur radio is more than a backup system—it can become a vital communications lifeline. When the digital world goes dark, the airwaves can remain open, supporting search-and-rescue coordination, medical evacuations, emergency welfare traffic, and the delivery of life-saving supplies.
The 2024 Feni floods were a stark reminder of this reality. But they were also a demonstration of what is possible when trained operators, functioning equipment, and coordinated protocols come together. The challenge now is to scale that response so that it is not dependent on the heroism of a few volunteers, but on a resilient national system that can be activated at a moment’s notice.
How to Get Involved: A Practical Guide
If you are reading this and thinking about becoming an amateur radio operator, here is a practical roadmap.
Step 1: Learn the Basics. Start by studying the fundamentals of radio theory, electronics, and operating procedures. ARSB and ARAB offer preparation classes and study materials. The BTRC examination syllabus is publicly available and provides a clear outline of what you need to know.
Step 2: Join the Community. Contact ARAB or ARSB. Both organisations welcome individuals with genuine interest in amateur radio, and membership requires a valid BTRC licence. Joining a local club or society will give you access to mentorship, equipment, and practical experience.
Step 3: Prepare for the Examination. When BTRC announces an examination date, apply promptly. The 2025 exam saw over 900 participants, so competition is increasing, but the examination is passable with proper preparation.
Step 4: Get Licensed and Equipped. Once you pass, submit your documents and fees, receive your call sign, and register your equipment. Start with a VHF/UHF handheld radio, which is relatively affordable and sufficient for local communication. As you gain experience, you can upgrade to HF equipment for long-distance communication.
Step 5: Train for Emergencies. Participating in drills and field days is essential. The 2026 nationwide drill demonstrated the importance of regular practice. Volunteer for ARAB or ARSB emergency communication teams, and make sure your equipment and power backup systems are always ready.
The Future: Building a Resilient National Network
The future of amateur radio in Bangladesh looks promising, but it requires sustained effort from both the community and the government. The growing interest among young people—evidenced by the record turnout at the 2025 licensing exam and the outreach sessions at universities like BRAC University—suggests that the community will continue to expand.
The international connections being forged by ARSB, including the participation at Tokyo Ham Fair 2025 and the meetings with IARU Region 3 leadership, are opening doors for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The establishment of a nationwide repeater network with Echolink facilities would dramatically enhance the community’s ability to provide emergency communication across the country.
But the most important development would be the formal integration of amateur radio into Bangladesh’s national disaster response protocol. This would require policy changes, funding, and a sustained commitment from government agencies. The BTRC’s assurance of support is a positive sign, but words must be translated into action. The community has made its case. The evidence is compelling. The question now is whether the political will exists to make it happen.
In a country where millions of lives are affected by natural disasters every year, the cost of inaction is measured in human suffering. The cost of action—training operators, equipping stations, building repeater networks, and integrating them into disaster protocols—is comparatively modest. The return on that investment is measured in lives saved.
Conclusion: The Airwaves Are Always Open
Amateur radio is often described as a hobby, and for many of its practitioners, it is exactly that. But in Bangladesh, it is something more. It is a public service. It is a lifeline. It is a reminder that when the towers fall and the screens go dark, human ingenuity and community spirit can still find a way to communicate.
From the lobbying efforts of BARL in the 1970s and 1980s, through the legalisation of amateur radio in 1991, to the heroic efforts of operators during the 2024 Feni floods and the systematic drills of 2026, the story of amateur radio in Bangladesh is a story of perseverance. It is a story of people who believed that the airwaves belonged to everyone, and that in times of crisis, a simple radio signal could mean the difference between life and death.
If you are a licensed operator, keep your equipment ready and your skills sharp. If you are not yet licensed, consider taking the first step. The examination is challenging but achievable, and the community is welcoming. And if you are a policymaker, remember that the investments you make in emergency communication today will pay dividends when the next disaster strikes.
The airwaves are always open. The question is: who will be listening?