1. BTRC Amateur Radio License Types
In Bangladesh, all wireless communications go through the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). They operate under the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act 2001 and align our rules with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Because we are in ITU Region 3, our frequency boundaries and power limits are set up to avoid interfering with neighbouring countries.
What kind of license do you get?
Unlike many countries that have a tiered system (like Technician, General, and Extra), Bangladesh uses a single-class license system. Once you pass the amateur radio exam, you get full privileges across all permitted bands and modes.
However, BTRC issues a “Provisional License” first. This provisional status is enough to jump onto digital networks like Echolink, DroidStar, and DV Switch. But if you want to buy, own, and operate physical radio hardware, you must first apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from BTRC. Once you legally acquire the gear, they issue your permanent Amateur Radio License.
With your full license, you get access to:
- HF bands (1.8–30 MHz) – Bounce signals off the ionosphere for global DX contacts.
- VHF bands (30–300 MHz) – Excellent for local chats and regional repeater networks.
- UHF bands (300 MHz–3 GHz) – Great for line-of-sight simplex.
- Microwave bands – For experimental tech.
Passing the exam grants you a unique, personal call sign starting with the S21 prefix (e.g., S21AMF). You can use standard voice modes (AM, FM, SSB), digital modes like FT8, and Morse code (CW).
2. Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
BTRC keeps entry requirements straightforward,d but compliance is strict. Here is the checklist:
Who can apply:
- Any Bangladeshi citizen or Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) who is at least 18 years old.
- Bangladeshi organizations (schools, universities, government bodies, or registered clubs).
Restrictions:
- You can only hold one amateur radio license at a time.
- Organizations must have at least one licensed employee/member.
- Violations of the Telecommunications Act or outstanding BTRC dues will disqualify your application.
A quick note for foreign radio amateurs
Visiting hams must go through the foreign entity route. BTRC typically grants short-term 7-day licenses. Longer stays require embassy security clearances (start this 2 months prior). Foreign operators receive an S21Z prefix call sign.
What technical knowledge is required?
You don’t need an engineering degree. Local clubs like the Bangladesh DX Club (BDXC) and Amateur Radio Society of Bangladesh (ARSB) offer free Google Meet training batches covering basic electronics, RF theory, safe grounding setups, and local BTRC band limits.
3. Study Materials for the BTRC HAM Radio Exam
Your first stop is the official BTRC website (www.btrc.gov.bd). Download the Amateur Radio Operator’s License Guidelines, the National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT), and the Annexure-I application form.
Top global resources for foundations:
- ARRL Handbook – The global HAM radio bible.
- RSGB Operating Manual – Excellent for on-air etiquette.
- Gordon West’s study guides – Break down complex RF concepts.
🔥 Insider Tip: About 14 days before the exam, BTRC releases a specific question bank on their website. Download the PDF, print it, and study it page-by-page. It covers the exact topics you will be tested on!
4. Preparing for the BTRC HAM Radio Exam
The Bangladesh amateur radio exam focuses on two areas:
- Technical Theory: Ohm’s law, circuit analysis, wave propagation, and modulation types (AM, FM, SSB, FT8).
- Regulations: Call sign rules, ITU regions, Q-signals, RST system, and strict BTRC power limits.
Rule of thumb: You are only allowed to operate on NFAT-allocated frequencies. Straying into commercial or aviation frequencies results in immediate license cancellation.
Give yourself two months to study. Cramming doesn’t work. Use apps like Ham Radio Exam or QRZ.com for daily practice quizzes.
5. Application Process Step-by-Step
The process begins when BTRC publishes the exam notice in national newspapers and their online portal. Prepare the following documents:
- Completed Application Form (Annexure-I).
- Bank pay order for the examination fee.
- Attested copy of NID, Birth Certificate, or Passport.
- Attested copies of S.S.C. (or equivalent) certificates.
- Two attested passport-size photos.
After passing, you receive an Amateur Radio Service Certificate (Annexure-II). Submit an application with a police verification report to the BTRC Chairman to pay the fees and get your official S21 call sign.
6. Taking the Examination
BTRC may conduct a purely written exam or a written + viva (oral) test.
- Written-only exam: Must score at least 50%.
- Written + Viva: Must score at least 45% in both components separately.
Arrive 30 minutes early with your admit card, NID, and a non-programmable scientific calculator. Phones and smartwatches are strictly prohibited.
7. After the Exam – Licenses & Renewals
Your license is valid for 3 years. You must apply for renewal at least 6 months before expiration to avoid cancellation. Renewals require a copy of your logbook and equipment inventory.
8. Equipment Rules & Importing Radios in Bangladesh
How to legally import a radio
Do not order a radio online without BTRC paperwork—customs will confiscate it. Submit the import application (Annexure-III for individuals) with product brochures. After BTRC and police clearance, you will receive an import permission/NOC to clear customs.
BTRC Legal Equipment Limits
| Equipment Type | Max Quantity | Max Output Power |
|---|---|---|
| HF Radio Set | 1 | 100 Watts |
| VHF/UHF Base Radio | 1 | 25 Watts |
| UHF/VHF Walkie-Talkie | 1 | 5 Watts |
Crucial Operating Rules:
- Police verification is mandatory before importing handheld transceivers.
- Encryption is illegal. All transmissions must be plain-language.
- You cannot sell or gift your radio without prior BTRC permission.
- Homebrew DIY transmitters require prior schematic approval.
9. Setting Up Your First HAM Station
Entry-level HF transceivers like the Icom IC-7300 or Yaesu FT-450D are great 100-watt rigs to start with. For antennas, a homebrew 20-meter or 40-meter wire dipole is highly effective and cheap to build.
Keeping a proper logbook
BTRC mandates a physical, bound logbook (no loose sheets). Record the date/time (BST), frequency/mode, contact call sign, and signal report for every transmission.