DHAKA: A Bangladesh-India diplomatic row has intensified after Bangladesh summoned a senior Indian diplomat in Dhaka to protest the treatment of a government adviser who was reportedly detained and questioned for several hours at New Delhi airport.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described the incident as “unexpected and unfortunate.” The government formally conveyed its concerns to Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe during a meeting late Monday.
According to officials, government strategy adviser Zahed Ur Rahman was stopped upon arrival in New Delhi while travelling to attend a conference. Authorities questioned him for several hours before allowing him to continue his journey.
India’s foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the incident.
The episode comes at a sensitive time in relations between the two neighbouring countries. Although ties improved following Tarique Rahman’s election victory earlier this year, several issues continue to strain bilateral relations.
Tensions have persisted since the 2024 uprising that removed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Hasina has remained in India since her departure, despite repeated requests from Bangladesh seeking her extradition.
The two countries have also disagreed over Bangladesh’s claims that Indian authorities attempted to send undocumented migrants across the border without following agreed repatriation procedures.
Bangladesh says its border forces have recently prevented several such attempts and raised the issue during talks held last week between Border Guard Bangladesh and India’s Border Security Force in New Delhi.
While both sides agreed to strengthen intelligence-sharing and improve coordination along the border, the migrant issue remains a significant source of friction.
The latest airport incident adds another challenge to efforts by Dhaka and New Delhi to stabilise relations and address long-standing concerns through diplomatic engagement.
