Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Following Screening of PM Adviser Zahed ur Rahman; India Yet to Respond

VoM News International Desk | June 16, 2026 | 12:17 PM IST | Breaking News, India, Politics, World |
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Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Following Screening of PM Adviser Zahed ur Rahman; India Yet to Respond

New Delhi, June 16, 2026 [VoM News]: Registering a strong protest, Bangladesh has summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner following an incident involving Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s adviser, Zahed ur Rahman, at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The senior Bangladeshi official was reportedly detained for questioning by immigration authorities for several hours upon his arrival in New Delhi on Sunday.

Bangladeshi media reported that Zahed ur Rahman, who serves as adviser on policy and strategy affairs and is known as a critic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had travelled to India on an official invitation to attend a meeting hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Later, reports stated that his name was flagged during a routine security screening, leading to additional questioning by airport authorities.

Media reports further claimed that Zahed ur Rahman was travelling on a regular Bangladeshi passport carrying a SAARC visa and did not possess a diplomatic passport. Although he was later allowed entry, he reportedly decided to return to Bangladesh instead of continuing with the visit.

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Expressing strong resentment and disappointment, Bangladesh termed the incident “unfortunate” and “unexpected,” particularly considering that the senior official was travelling on an official invitation.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Dhaka had taken up the matter with India through diplomatic channels. However, India has not issued any official response so far.

Zahed ur Rahman was scheduled to attend the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in India before returning to Bangladesh after the prolonged questioning, according to media reports.

The development is being closely watched as it could affect ties between India and Bangladesh, which have remained strained in recent months following Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office.

Although relations reportedly showed some improvement after Tarique Rahman assumed office, several bilateral issues still require cooperation, coordination, and mutual understanding between the two countries.

VoM News International Desk