There comes a rare but undeniably critical moment when regulations meant to ensure safety inadvertently undermine opportunity, creativity and self-sufficiency. This is the case with the recently proposed drone regulations in Bangladesh. Although intended to control the use of drones, this new legislation appears to miss the mark on several points, creating formidable barriers for everyday drone users, small content creators and those who respect the law.

In recent years, drones have become essential tools, especially for young Bangladeshis keen to explore the art of content creation. For university student Rashed, drones were more than just a technological novelty; they were his lifeline. “I used to pay my bills by taking on projects that required a drone pilot,” says Rashed. His work not only helped him earn an honest income, but also allowed him to explore creative outlets that would otherwise remain inaccessible. These new regulations, however, threaten to wipe out their livelihoods, requiring permits, certificates and an exhaustive registration process that make drone use a bureaucratic nightmare.

The project offers an elaborate certification process, which includes acquiring a special permit, paying a fee, and following specific usage guidelines. For people like Sakib, who saved tirelessly for more than a year to finally buy a drone, the prospect of meeting these new restrictions feels like a slap in the face. “I saved for a year and a half to buy this drone, hoping to start my own business, but this new project makes it almost impossible to operate without constantly looking over my shoulder,” he says. His disappointment is shared by many others, who now find themselves discouraged and sidelined by what should have been a tool of empowerment.

While safety is indeed a legitimate concern, the scope of the proposed regulations appears disproportionate to the risks posed by the recreational and creative use of drones, particularly for models weighing less than 250 grams. In their attempt to control, authorities have overlooked a crucial point: most drone users are responsible citizens who rely on this technology for their personal and professional development. Forcing them to jump through hoops, obtain multiple permits, and pay recurring fees only exacerbates the challenges, dampening the morale of budding creators who view drones as their gateway to expression and opportunity.

The rigidity of this project might actually cause some to abandon their creative ambitions altogether. Arshad, a content creator, sees this conscription as a major obstacle to his livelihood. “Creating content is my way of paying my bills and providing for my family. This project not only complicates things: it jeopardizes my entire source of income,” he admits, visibly discouraged. Content creation is already a competitive field, and the added expense and limitations of this new regulation threaten to push it – and others like it – out of the game.

Nazib, a drone enthusiast, questions the practicality of these restrictions. He points out that obtaining even a basic driving license in Bangladesh is fraught with challenges, often requiring hours of waiting, document checks and sometimes unexpected fees. “If obtaining a simple driving license requires so much time and patience, I can only imagine the hassle for a drone license,” he says. For ordinary people, adding an extra level of certification seems more like a punishment than a guarantee. The bitter experience of spending hours, or even days, queuing for official documents threatens these drone enthusiasts, making the prospect of a drone certificate daunting to say the least.

Regulations that encourage responsible drone use are not inherently bad; they are necessary. However, they must also be feasible and take into account the needs of everyday users. This proposed project seems disconnected from the reality of the people it impacts. Most of these users are not aspiring criminals or reckless operators; these are individuals who rely on drones to do honest work, whether it’s surveying landscapes or capturing the beauty of Bangladesh from an aerial perspective. Penalizing the few who abuse technology seems not only unfair, but counterproductive.