Bangladesh summons Indian envoy after PM’s adviser questioned at Delhi airport

Government strategy adviser Zahedur Rahman was stopped at the airport after flying in to attend a conference.

Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest with India after one of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s advisers was reportedly detained and questioned for several hours upon arrival at New Delhi airport.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described the incident as “unexpected and unfortunate,” while Dhaka summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe late on Monday to convey its concerns.

Government strategy adviser Zahedur Rahman was stopped at the airport after flying in to attend a conference. Officials said he was questioned extensively before being allowed to proceed.

India’s foreign ministry has not yet issued a response.

The episode comes at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations. Although ties improved following Tarique Rahman’s election victory earlier this year, tensions remain over the legacy of the 2024 uprising that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She has remained in India despite repeated requests from Dhaka for her extradition.

The neighbours have also clashed over Bangladesh’s allegations that Indian authorities have attempted to push undocumented migrants across the border without following agreed repatriation procedures. Dhaka says its border guards have foiled several recent “push‑in” attempts and raised the issue during talks last week between Border Guard Bangladesh and India’s Border Security Force in New Delhi.

While both sides agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate patrols, the migrant issue continues to be a source of friction. The detention of the Bangladeshi adviser has now added a fresh layer of strain to already delicate relations.