NEW DELHI/DHAKA: In a development likely to further strain India-Bangladesh relations, Zahed ur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, left Delhi airport in frustration after a dispute with immigration authorities. He was held for verification due to his past controversial remarks about India.
Incident Details
Zahed ur Rahman departed on a flight to Colombo Sunday night, opting to return home after being made to wait in a public area for over two hours. He had been granted a one-time exemption to enter India but chose to leave.
On Monday, Dhaka summoned Indian charge d'affaires Pawan Badhe to express strong displeasure over the alleged treatment of Zahed, who serves as a policy and strategy adviser to PM Tarique.
Background of the Adviser
Zahed arrived in Delhi Sunday evening on a regular Bangladeshi passport with a SAARC visa, leading an official delegation for an Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting. He was on an immigration watchlist due to anti-India statements made on his YouTube channel, including calling PM Narendra Modi a fascist and accusing India of playing the Hindu card. He also claimed India aimed to destabilize Bangladesh and that Adani Group profits from Bangladesh projects went to BJP and RSS.
Diplomatic Reactions
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman termed the incident unexpected and unfortunate after his ministry summoned Badhe. The event threatens to deepen bilateral turmoil.
Despite efforts for a pragmatic reset since the Tarique government took office, mistrust persists due to issues like Dhaka's warming ties with Pakistan and a potential China pivot.
Official Statements
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah was at the airport to receive Zahed. The Bangladesh foreign ministry said it is taking appropriate steps. India's external affairs ministry had not commented officially by late evening.
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the incident is certainly not welcoming and was unexpected. She added that the ministry is investigating and will take action if needed once full details are known.
After disembarking, Zahed was escorted to immigration and submitted his passport. Despite repeated requests from immigration officials to enter India, he declined.
