Fresh diplomatic friction has emerged between India and Bangladesh after Dhaka summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner over the brief detention and questioning of a senior adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser on policy and strategy affairs to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was stopped by immigration authorities on Sunday evening while arriving in India to attend an official meeting hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Rahman was reportedly questioned after his name was flagged during a routine security screening process. Although he was later allowed to proceed, Bangladeshi authorities expressed strong displeasure over the incident.
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Dhaka registers protest
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe to convey what it described as its “deep disappointment” over the episode, according to state-run news agency BSS.
Rahman was travelling to India on an official invitation to attend the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Bangladeshi media reports stated that he was travelling on a regular Bangladeshi passport carrying a SAARC visa and was not using a diplomatic passport.
Citing diplomatic sources, Bangladesh’s leading daily Prothom Alo reported that Rahman was kept waiting for nearly two-and-a-half hours by immigration officials before being allowed entry.
However, despite receiving clearance, he reportedly chose to return to Bangladesh instead of continuing with his visit.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman described the development as “unexpected” and “unfortunate” while confirming that the government was examining the matter.
Incident comes amid sensitive bilateral relations
The airport episode comes at a time when India-Bangladesh relations remain under close scrutiny following political changes in Dhaka over the past two years.
Relations between the two neighbours witnessed turbulence after the political upheaval that led to the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Ties later improved following the election of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
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But recently, there has been some tension between both countries in regard to their mutual relations concerning the issue of illegal immigrants in the India-Bangladesh border.
There has been no official response yet from New Delhi in regards to the incident at the airport.
Though none of the sides suggested that this could have a significant influence on the further collaboration, the issue brought some additional tension to a rather sensitive diplomatic situation.
FAQs
Q1. Why was India’s Deputy High Commissioner summoned by Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has summoned the Indian diplomat in protest against the arrest and questioning of an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman named Zahed Ur Rahman who traveled to India for official purposes.
Q2. Was Zahed Ur Rahman not allowed to enter India?
No. As it turned out, authorities of India released Mr. Zahed Ur Rahman and gave him permission to enter the country, but he refused to do so.
