A Historic Day for Amateur Radio in Bangladesh: POTA Activation at Himchari National Park

On a beautiful day in the heart of Cox's Bazar, history was made for amateur radio in Bangladesh. The long-anticipated Parks on the Air (POTA) activation at Himchari National Park (POTA Reference: BD-0006) unfolded as a resounding success. This marked one of the first-ever successful POTA activations in Bangladesh, with operators S21AF, S21PL, and S21LEJ leading the charge.

With over 140 QSOs (contacts) logged during the event, this activation was not just about breaking new ground—it was about showcasing the potential of amateur radio in fostering global connections while highlighting the natural beauty of Bangladesh's protected parks. Let’s take a closer look at this memorable day.

The Journey Begins: From Cox’s Bazar to Himchari National Park
The journey started in Cox’s Bazar, where the team gathered their equipment and ensured every detail was prepared for the activation. The logistics team, consisting of S21RAB and S21ABK, played a vital role in ensuring smooth transportation and setup.

• Departure Time: 12:00 PM
• Arrival at Himchari National Park: 1:30 PM

Nestled amid lush greenery and rolling hills, Himchari National Park provided the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking activation. Upon arrival, the team quickly set up their gear, eager to begin operations.

Setting Up: Equipment and Antennas
The team carried three HF radios, a single battery for power, and two inverted V antennas designed for the 10-meter and 20-meter bands. The inverted V configuration, renowned for its efficiency and ease of deployment, ensured optimal propagation conditions.

By 2:00 PM, the team was ready to begin transmitting. Spirits were high as the first CQ calls went out into the ether.

Operating the Event: Teamwork in Action
Operating under their respective call signs, the team divided the workload to maximize efficiency and outreach.

• S21AF took the lead with 61 QSOs, showcasing exceptional operating skill and dedication.
• S21LEJ contributed significantly with 45 QSOs, skillfully managing pileups.
• S21PL, with 37 QSOs, made meaningful connections and ensured the event's success.

Each operator brought their unique expertise to the table, navigating different modes and frequencies to reach a diverse array of stations across the globe.

Support Team: The Unsung Heroes
Behind every successful activation is a robust support team. S21RAB and S21ABK provided logistical support, ensuring the team had everything they needed to succeed. From transportation to setup assistance, their contributions were invaluable.

Wrapping Up: Closing the Activation
After an intense few hours of operating, the team decided to wrap up by 5:30 PM. The success of the event was evident in the smiles and camaraderie shared by all involved. Packing up the equipment, they embarked on the return journey to Cox’s Bazar, arriving safely at 8:00 PM.

Reflections and Highlights
This activation wasn’t just about making QSOs—it was about demonstrating the power of amateur radio to connect people, explore new frontiers, and showcase the beauty of Bangladesh’s national parks. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Global Connections: With over 120 QSOs, the activation highlighted Bangladesh’s growing presence in the amateur radio community.
2. Team Effort: From operators to logistical support, the teamwork exemplified what POTA is all about—collaboration and passion for the hobby.
3. Pioneering Spirit: As one of the first successful POTA activations in Bangladesh, this event set the stage for future endeavors.

Acknowledgments
A big thank you goes out to everyone who made this activation possible:

• S21AF, S21PL, and S21LEJ for their exceptional operating skills.
• S21RAB and S21ABK for their unwavering logistical support.
• The POTA community worldwide for responding to our CQ calls and making this activation a memorable one.

Looking Ahead
The success of the Himchari National Park activation has sparked excitement for future POTA events in Bangladesh. As the amateur radio community continues to grow, more parks and operators will join the initiative, strengthening Bangladesh’s role in the global POTA community.

To all amateur radio enthusiasts, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of POTA. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a newcomer, these activations offer an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.

Final Words
The activation at Himchari National Park was more than an event; it was a milestone for amateur radio in Bangladesh. As we look back on this day, we are reminded of the power of community, passion, and perseverance. Here’s to many more activations and QSOs in the future!

73 de S21AF
Abdullah Al Fahad
See you on the airwaves!

 

Fantastic and aways my best wishes for you.

 

Congratulations and well done!

 

What an enthusiastic account of the POTA, gets one excited to go and make one’s own activation. All team members should be proud of what was achieved.

 

Bravo pour cette activation POTA, cela donne envie de chasser le DX POTA
Félicitations à tous les membres de l’équipe
73"s de France
F4LPH

 

Congratulations and 73! I hope to get you in the log in the future. Good luck on your endeavors

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

 

Congratulations and POTA On!
Hope one day to have you all in the logs or at least work some P2P
73 de N2NWK

 

Congratulations and well done!

 

Nice work OM, Hope to work you someday soon 73 and good DX.

 

Great write-up!

 

Enjoyed the pics and write up of the event. I'd expect that all had a grand time. Himchari NP is fabulous!

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm with our community, and best wishes for good DX in the future.

 

Way cool! Congrats!

 

Great Job! Thank you for sharing!

 

Good job Guys!