Bangladesh Summons Indian Diplomat After PM Adviser Was Stopped at Delhi Airport: ‘Deep Disappointment’ Over What Happened Next…

Dhaka/New Delhi: A diplomatic row briefly surfaced between Bangladesh and India after a senior adviser to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister was stopped by immigration officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, prompting Dhaka to summon India’s Deputy High Commissioner and formally register its concerns.

The incident has attracted attention in both countries, with Bangladesh describing the episode as “unexpected” and expressing what officials termed as “deep disappointment” over the treatment of the visiting dignitary.

What Happened at Delhi Airport?

According to reports, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Policy and Strategy Affairs and Information and Broadcasting, arrived in India to attend a meeting linked to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

However, shortly after landing in New Delhi, his name was reportedly flagged during a routine security and immigration screening process.

Sources indicated that Rahman was questioned by immigration authorities and asked to wait while verification procedures were carried out. Reports suggest the process lasted around two-and-a-half hours before Indian authorities eventually cleared him for entry.

Despite receiving clearance, Rahman reportedly chose to end his visit and returned to Bangladesh instead of continuing with his scheduled engagements.

Bangladesh Registers Formal Protest

The incident prompted swift action from the Bangladeshi government.

On Monday, India’s Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe was called to Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry, where officials handed over a formal protest note regarding the matter.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry stated that it viewed the episode seriously and sought clarification regarding the circumstances that led to the delay faced by the Prime Minister’s adviser.

Officials in Dhaka described the development as unfortunate and stressed that the government was taking appropriate diplomatic steps to address the situation.

Why Was Rahman Flagged?

While neither side has officially detailed the exact reasons behind the screening process, reports citing diplomatic and government sources suggested that Rahman’s name had appeared on a watchlist requiring additional verification.

The adviser is a well-known political commentator and has, in the past, made several public observations and criticisms concerning India through his online platforms and commentary programs.

According to reports, the additional screening was conducted as part of standard verification procedures once his details were flagged by the system.

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Questions Over Travel Documents

Another aspect of the controversy revolves around the nature of Rahman’s travel documentation.

Sources familiar with the matter reportedly indicated that the adviser travelled using a regular passport rather than a diplomatic passport. Reports also suggested that he entered using a SAARC visa facility issued through Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry.

Officials reportedly pointed out that certain procedural details linked to the visit may not have been communicated to Indian authorities in advance, leading to further verification at the airport.

However, no official statement from the Indian government has publicly confirmed these claims.

Political Background Adds Sensitivity

The incident has gained additional attention because of Rahman’s profile in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Known as a political analyst and commentator, Rahman has often spoken on regional affairs and has been a vocal critic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina‘s administration. Earlier this year, he was appointed adviser in the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Given his political visibility, the airport episode quickly became a topic of discussion in diplomatic and political circles.

Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations

Although both countries continue to maintain strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, incidents involving senior government officials often attract significant attention.

Analysts believe the issue is unlikely to cause a major disruption in bilateral relations, but it highlights the importance of communication and protocol in high-level international visits.

As both governments continue discussions through diplomatic channels, attention will now shift to whether further explanations or clarifications are issued regarding the circumstances surrounding the airport stop.

For now, what began as a routine international visit has evolved into a diplomatic talking point, reminding both neighbours of the delicate nature of cross-border engagements.