A diplomatic controversy has emerged between India and Bangladesh after Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, returned from Delhi airport without entering India, alleging that he was “humiliated” during an immigration check.
According to reports, Zahed Ur Rahman arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport to attend an official conference but was stopped by immigration officials for verification. He was reportedly kept waiting for more than two hours before being cleared to enter the country. However, by then, he decided to return to Bangladesh.
Rahman claimed that the treatment he received at the airport was humiliating. Following the incident, Bangladesh expressed its dissatisfaction and formally raised the matter with Indian authorities. Dhaka summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner and described the episode as “unexpected and unfortunate.”
Reports stated that Rahman was travelling to India to participate in a meeting of senior officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Sources said his name was flagged during a routine security check, leading to additional verification.
The incident comes at a sensitive time in India-Bangladesh relations, which have faced several challenges in recent months, including disagreements over border issues and political developments in Bangladesh. Both countries have recently been working to improve cooperation despite ongoing differences.
The Indian government has not yet issued a detailed public response regarding the allegations.
