Bangladesh PM's adviser denied entry at Delhi airport, sparks diplomatic row
On June 14, 2026, Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was detained for over two hours at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport by immigration officials, reportedly due to his name on an MEA blacklist over past anti-India remarks. Though eventually cleared after higher-level intervention, Rahman returned to Dhaka in protest, calling the treatment humiliating. Bangladesh summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner, and the incident has exacerbated tensions over border issues, migration, and former PM Sheikh Hasina's presence in India, amid Bangladesh's growing ties with China.
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Diplomatic Row Strains India-Bangladesh Ties as Bangladesh PM Plans China Visit
India-Bangladesh relations face renewed strain after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, was denied entry at Delhi airport and detained for nearly two and a half hours before being cleared. He returned to Dhaka in protest. This is the second time Bangladesh has summoned the Indian envoy since Rahman took office in February 2026. The incident follows disparaging remarks by Assam's Chief Minister and heightened tensions over India's crackdown on undocumented migrants, with Bangladesh alleging 'push-ins.' Meanwhile, Rahman is set to visit China next week. The article notes lingering mistrust, anti-India sentiment fueled by opposition Jamaat-e-Islami, and the unresolved issue of former PM Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in India, which the current government distances itself from.
The DiplomatDiplomatic Row Over Entry Denial Strains India-Bangladesh Relations
India-Bangladesh relations have soured again following the mistreatment of Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, by Indian immigration authorities in New Delhi. Rahman was initially denied entry, kept waiting for over two hours, and only cleared after higher-level intervention. He returned to Dhaka in protest, calling it an 'unwanted situation.' Bangladesh summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner for the second time since Rahman's government took office. The incident exacerbates existing tensions, including India's crackdown on undocumented migrants and perceived push-ins along the border. Bangladesh's main opposition party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has seized on the affair, while Rahman's visit to China next week adds a geopolitical dimension. The row also highlights the sensitive issue of former PM Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in India.
The DiplomatBangladesh PM's adviser returns from Delhi airport after alleged humiliation by immigration
Zahed Ur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, returned to Dhaka from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on June 14, 2026, after being held by immigration officials for over two hours. Rahman, who holds the rank of a state minister, was in India to attend the 28th meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Committee of Senior Officials. Indian officials stated he was detained for 'verification' due to his history of combative comments on India-related issues, including YouTube programs critical of India's handling of Bangladesh. Although he was eventually cleared to enter, Rahman decided to return home, describing the treatment as 'humiliating.' Bangladesh's Foreign Minister called the incident 'regrettable,' and Dhaka summoned India's Deputy Chief of Mission to lodge a formal protest. The incident highlights growing trust deficits in India-Bangladesh relations under the new BNP-led government.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Bangladesh PM's Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman Denied Entry at Delhi Airport Due to MEA Blacklist
Zahed Ur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was stopped by immigration officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on June 14, 2026, because his name appeared on a blacklist generated by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in 2025. The blacklist was reportedly due to past anti-India remarks on social media. Rahman was traveling on a regular passport with a SAARC visa to attend an Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) conference in Delhi. The Bangladesh High Commission had formally notified the MEA on June 12 about his delegation leadership. After the alert was flagged, immigration officials withdrew the notice, allowing entry, but the two-hour delay prompted Rahman to return to Dhaka via a connecting flight from Colombo. The incident highlights diplomatic friction between India and the new BNP-led government in Bangladesh, which assumed power in February 2026.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Bangladesh PM's Adviser Returns from Delhi Airport After Alleged Humiliation by Immigration
Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman holding the rank of a state minister, was detained for over two hours at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on June 14, 2026, while traveling to attend an IORA meeting. Immigration officials held him for 'verification' without explanation, citing his history of critical comments on India. Although eventually cleared, Rahman chose to return to Dhaka, calling the treatment humiliating. The incident escalated diplomatically: Bangladesh's Foreign Minister termed it 'regrettable', and Dhaka summoned India's Deputy Chief of Mission Pavan Badhe. Indian officials defended the delay as standard procedure given Rahman's past statements, noting he was granted a one-time exemption. Rahman spent over 12 hours in transit via Colombo before reaching Dhaka.
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