Dhaka summons Indian diplomat over adviser’s airport detention in Delhi

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe following the return of Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Affairs Adviser Dr Zahedur Rahman from Delhi airport after being briefly stopped by immigration authorities.

A foreign ministry official confirmed that the Indian envoy was called in to discuss the matter after reports emerged regarding the incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

According to sources, Dr Zahedur Rahman was halted by Indian immigration officials on Sunday evening after his name reportedly appeared on a security watch-list during routine checks. He was later allowed entry following verification, but decided to return to Bangladesh instead of continuing his visit.

Quoting officials, Indian media outlet CNN-News18 reported that the adviser was briefly stopped for security verification procedures. A source in New Delhi also told that immigration authorities held him for around two and a half hours without providing specific reasons.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah was present at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday afternoon to receive the adviser upon his arrival.

Dr Zahedur Rahman was scheduled to attend the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 15-16.

Following the incident, the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka sought clarification from the Indian side by summoning the deputy high commissioner.

Officials said the matter is being handled through diplomatic channels.

TZ