‘Returning To Dhaka Was An Instant Act Of Protest’: Bangladesh PM's Advisor After Delhi Airport Episode

Last Updated:June 16, 2026, 17:40 IST

Rahman says he returned to Dhaka from Delhi to protest after being stopped by immigration authorities at Delhi airport. He stressed that Bangladesh India-ties should endure.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman has said his decision to return to Dhaka after being briefly stopped by immigration authorities at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was intended as an immediate protest against what he described as mistreatment by Indian authorities.

According to reports in Bangladeshi media, Dhaka had informed India’s Ministry of External Affairs about Rahman’s planned visit at least two days before his arrival. However, when he landed in Delhi on Sunday, he was reportedly made to wait for nearly two and a half hours before being cleared for entry.

Despite being granted permission to proceed with his visit to India, Rahman chose to board a return flight to Bangladesh. Further, Bangladesh summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Bade in connection with the incident on Monday.

Rahman Says Move Sent A ‘Signature Response’

Addressing reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the advisor said his response was guided by the fact that he was travelling in an official capacity.

“I did not go there as an individual. I went as a representative of this government and this state. Therefore, after what happened to me there, I felt that an instant protest from our side was necessary," he told reporters.

“That is why I decided to return. Although, as you have seen in media reports, at one stage they [the Indian authorities] tried very hard to ensure that I entered the country and attended my scheduled engagements, I chose not to do so."

Advisor Open To Future Visits To India

Rahman said the move was meant to send a clear message from the Bangladeshi government.

“I felt there should be a signature response from the government. As an immediate reaction to this incident, I took that step on behalf of the state and the government," he further said.

At the same time, he stressed that the incident should not damage long-term ties between the two neighbours.

On being asked whether he would accept a future invitation from India, the adviser replied, “Certainly, I will. Let me make this very clear: if I receive an appropriate invitation, I will certainly go there."

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish...Read More

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