Bangladesh has strongly protested against India after its Prime Minister’s adviser was detained and questioned for several hours at Delhi airport. The incident has been described as “unexpected and unfortunate” by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
The government in Dhaka summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe late on Monday to convey its serious concerns over the treatment of Zahed Ur Rahman, a key government strategy adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Zahed Ur Rahman had travelled to New Delhi to attend an important conference but was stopped upon arrival and subjected to prolonged questioning.
This latest Bangladesh India Protest has added fresh tension to the already delicate bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. Although ties had shown some improvement after Tarique Rahman’s election victory earlier this year, several issues continue to strain the relationship. One major point of contention remains Bangladesh’s repeated demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India following the 2024 uprising that removed her from power.
Border-related issues have also created friction. Bangladesh has accused Indian authorities of attempting to push undocumented migrants across the border without following proper procedures. Dhaka claims its border guards have stopped several such “push-in” attempts recently. Both sides held talks between Border Guard Bangladesh and India’s Border Security Force last week in New Delhi, where they agreed to improve intelligence sharing and coordinate patrols. However, the migrant issue remains unresolved.
The airport incident involving the Prime Minister’s adviser has highlighted ongoing sensitivities in diplomatic ties. Bangladesh views the questioning as unnecessary and unfortunate, especially since Zahed Ur Rahman was on an official visit. So far, India’s foreign ministry has not issued any immediate response to the protest.
This development comes at a time when both nations are trying to manage complex border and political challenges. The Bangladesh India Protest has once again brought attention to the need for smoother diplomatic communication and mutual respect between the two countries.
