Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr. Zahedur Rahman returned from New Delhi airport after an alleged dispute with Indian immigration authorities, following his arrival to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) conference.
According to sources, the adviser travelled from Dhaka to Delhi on Sunday afternoon on an Air India flight using a regular passport. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, he was reportedly stopped by immigration officials for questioning.
Airport Delay and Entry Refusal
Officials allegedly held him for about an hour for verification and questioning before initially allowing him entry. However, Dr. Rahman later refused to enter India, citing what sources described as “discourteous behavior” by immigration authorities.
He then decided to return to Bangladesh via a third-country route, with reports indicating he was already en route late Sunday night.
Claims of Watchlist Screening
Sources close to the adviser claimed that he was flagged under a security watchlist, leading to additional screening at the airport. Indian media outlet CNN-News18 also reported that immigration officials identified his name during routine checks and detained him temporarily for verification.
Authorities later resolved the discrepancy and cleared him for entry, according to the report.
Conflicting Accounts
While official confirmation from Indian authorities is yet to be released, reports suggest the incident stemmed from administrative or documentation inconsistencies that triggered enhanced screening procedures.
Dr. Rahman, who holds a position equivalent in rank to a state minister, was reportedly eligible for diplomatic protocol arrangements, although he was travelling on a regular passport.
Background Context
Following recent political developments, several Bangladeshi online figures have reportedly faced restrictions or monitoring in India over alleged anti-India content, according to media reports.
The incident has drawn attention in diplomatic and media circles amid ongoing sensitivities in bilateral relations.
