Bangladesh summons Indian diplomat after questioning of PM adviser at Delhi airport

Bangladesh has summoned a senior Indian diplomat in Dhaka and lodged a formal protest after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s strategy adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, was stopped and questioned for several hours at New Delhi airport, in a move Dhaka described as “unexpected and unfortunate.”Dhaka-based daily Prothom Alo first reported the development.

Rahman had travelled to India to attend a conference when he was held for questioning upon arrival before eventually being allowed to proceed.
He had come to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association conference hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, but chose not to take part after several hours of questioning.Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said the government had conveyed its concerns to Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe.

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The incident comes amid fragile ties between the neighbours. Relations have remained strained since the 2024 uprising that ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who continues to stay in India despite repeated extradition requests from Dhaka.

The two countries have also sparred over Bangladesh’s allegations that India has attempted to push undocumented migrants across the border without following agreed repatriation procedures. Border officials from both sides recently agreed to strengthen intelligence-sharing and coordinated patrols.