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Published : 24 Jun 2026, 09:48 PM
The government has pushed back against India's explanation of the questioning of Prime Minister's Information Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman at New Delhi airport, calling it “dissatisfactory”.
A foreign ministry spokesperson told bdnews24.com on Wednesday that the incident was “unfortunate and sad”.
The Indian government, the spokesperson said, had been informed in advance through “proper diplomatic channels” that Bangladesh would lead the delegation to an Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting.
“Nevertheless, what happened around him at the [Indira Gandhi International Airport] is unfortunate and regrettable,” the official said.
Amid sharp criticism in Bangladesh over the matter, the Indian government on Tuesday said Zahed was questioned at the Delhi airport over his SAARC visa visit before being allowed entry.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “He arrived here on a private passport with a SAARC visa, and to attend the 28th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, that is IORA.
“He was queried by immigration officials at Delhi airport and subsequently permitted entry after reconfirming that the purpose of his visit was to attend the said multilateral meeting. He, however, chose to return to Dhaka on his own volition,” Jaiswal added.
Immigration officials kept Zahed waiting for around two and a half hours while reviewing his entry on Jun 14, without confirming whether he would be allowed into India. He subsequently decided to return to Dhaka.
Indian media reports said he was later cleared after questioning but declined to proceed, describing the treatment as discourteous.
He returned to Dhaka via Colombo the following day, cancelling his official visit.
Following the incident, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned Indian Acting High Commissioner Pawan Badhe in Dhaka on Jun 15 to lodge a protest.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described the episode as “unexpected and regrettable”.
On Tuesday, Delhi also expressed concern over the “desecration” of a statue of Lord Ram in Gaibandha.
On the matter, his Bangladeshi counterpart said the country believes that it is the responsibility of every state to ensure the rights and security of all citizens, including minorities, within its territory.
He reiterated the Bangladesh government’s commitment to ensuring the rights of all citizens, including minority communities.
