Bangladesh protests India ‘questioning’ PM’s adviser at Delhi airport

Bangladesh has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to protest the alleged detention and questioning of an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at New Delhi airport. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman called the incident "unexpected and unfortunate" as Dhaka formally conveyed its concerns to Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe.

Government strategy adviser Zahed Ur Rahman was reportedly stopped upon arrival in New Delhi, where he was scheduled to attend a conference. He was questioned for several hours before being permitted to continue his journey. India's foreign ministry has not yet responded to the incident.

The diplomatic row surfaces at a sensitive time for bilateral relations. While ties saw improvement following Prime Minister Rahman's election victory earlier this year, underlying tensions persist. These include ongoing disputes over Bangladesh's allegations of Indian authorities pushing undocumented migrants across the border without proper procedures, a matter recently discussed between border guards of both nations.

Furthermore, relations have been strained since the 2024 uprising that led to the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her extradition from India, where she has remained since fleeing the country.

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unexpected and unfortunate