A diplomatic controversy has emerged between Dhaka and New Delhi after a senior adviser to Bangladesh’s head of government was briefly prevented from entering India at Delhi’s international airport, prompting Dhaka to summon the acting Indian High Commissioner in protest.
The acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, Pawan Badhe, was formally called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday afternoon. During the meeting, Bangladesh conveyed its strong dissatisfaction over what it described as an “unexpected and regrettable” incident involving Information Adviser Zahid Ur Rahman at Delhi airport on Sunday.
According to senior officials at the foreign ministry, the adviser had travelled to India to attend a scheduled international engagement and had been duly informed through diplomatic channels in advance. Despite this, Indian immigration authorities initially barred his entry for what was described as “mysterious reasons,” before later granting clearance following intervention from higher authorities.
However, by that point, the Bangladeshi delegation chief had already decided not to proceed with the visit. He subsequently returned to Dhaka via Colombo, arriving on Monday afternoon.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described the episode as “unexpected and unfortunate” when responding to journalists earlier in the day, indicating that Dhaka was seeking clarification from New Delhi through diplomatic channels.
State Minister Shama Obaed Islam also commented on the matter, stating that the incident at Delhi airport was “in no way anticipated” and confirming that relevant government wings were actively gathering detailed information regarding the circumstances that led to the initial refusal of entry.
The adviser had been scheduled to lead Bangladesh’s delegation at a two-day high-level meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which commenced in New Delhi on Monday. His absence from the event has drawn attention due to the seniority of his role and the prior formal diplomatic arrangements.
Officials in Dhaka emphasised that the incident has raised concerns about procedural coordination and diplomatic protocol, particularly given that advance notification had been provided prior to travel.
Timeline of Events
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday (arrival) | Adviser arrives at Delhi airport and is initially denied entry by immigration authorities |
| Shortly after | Entry clearance reportedly granted following higher-level intervention |
| Sunday evening | Adviser decides not to proceed and departs India via Colombo route |
| Monday afternoon | Adviser arrives in Dhaka |
| Monday noon | Acting Indian High Commissioner summoned to Bangladesh Foreign Ministry |
| Monday onward | Dhaka seeks formal explanation through diplomatic channels |
While neither side has publicly indicated that the matter represents a broader diplomatic dispute, the episode has nonetheless generated concern within official circles due to its timing and the sensitivity of regional cooperation platforms such as IORA.
Further clarification from New Delhi is awaited as diplomatic discussions continue.