Bangladeshi prime minister’s adviser returns home after detention at Delhi airport

A senior adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman briefly found himself at the center of a diplomatic controversy after being stopped and questioned by Indian immigration authorities upon arrival at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

A senior adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman briefly found himself at the center of a diplomatic controversy after being stopped and questioned by Indian immigration authorities upon arrival at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident involved Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, who serves as the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Affairs and was travelling to India to attend an important regional meeting.

According to reports, Rahman arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to participate in the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, a gathering hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. However, shortly after landing, immigration officials reportedly halted his entry process after his name appeared on a security watchlist. He was then taken aside for additional screening and verification procedures.

Sources familiar with the matter said Rahman was kept waiting at the airport for approximately two and a half hours. During that period, he was questioned by officials but was not provided with a clear explanation regarding the reasons behind the delay. Although Indian authorities later cleared him to enter the country following official intervention, Rahman ultimately chose not to continue with his visit and instead decided to return to Bangladesh.

The incident attracted attention because Rahman was travelling on an official assignment and carried a regular passport with a SAARC visa exemption sticker, which allows certain categories of officials easier travel within the South Asian region. In addition, Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi had reportedly informed the Indian Ministry of External Affairs about his visit beforehand through official diplomatic channels.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah was present at the airport to receive Rahman upon his arrival and was involved in efforts to resolve the situation. Reports from Bangladeshi media indicated that discussions between diplomatic representatives and Indian authorities eventually resulted in clearance being granted. Despite that development, Rahman decided against entering India and boarded a return flight.

Speaking to Bangladeshi media after the incident, Rahman described the experience as unnecessary harassment. He said he spent nearly two hours in a public waiting area without receiving a satisfactory explanation from immigration officials. The adviser expressed disappointment over the treatment, particularly given the official nature of his visit and the prior diplomatic coordination between the two countries.

The matter also prompted a strong reaction from political groups linked to Bangladesh’s current administration. The National Citizen Party Diaspora Alliance USA issued a statement condemning what it described as disrespectful treatment of a senior Bangladeshi official. The organization pointed out that Rahman was travelling as the head of Bangladesh’s delegation to an event for which the country had received a formal invitation from India.

In its statement, the group argued that the incident could not be dismissed as a simple procedural issue. It claimed the adviser had all the necessary travel documents and permissions, yet still faced lengthy questioning and delays. The organization further alleged that efforts by Bangladesh’s diplomatic representatives did not immediately resolve the situation, raising concerns about the handling of the case.

The alliance also suggested that the incident may have had political dimensions, citing Rahman’s long-standing opposition to the Awami League and his involvement in Bangladesh’s recent political developments. It described the airport detention as a violation of diplomatic norms and called on the Indian government to provide an explanation and ensure that Bangladeshi officials are treated with respect during future visits.

While Indian authorities have not publicly commented on the controversy, the episode has generated discussion in both countries and could add another sensitive issue to the diplomatic relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.