PM's Adviser Recounts Delhi Airport Standoff, Says He Refused Re-entry Invitation

Prime Minister's Information Adviser Dr. Zahed ur Rahman disclosed on Tuesday that he rejected late requests by Indian immigration authorities to enter New Delhi, choosing instead to return to Dhaka as an immediate protest after being delayed for two and a half hours without explanation.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) on June 16, the adviser clarified that while he faced unwarranted delays, he was neither interrogated nor detained in a closed room, contrary to some speculative media reports.

The incident occurred on Sunday, June 14, when Dr. Zahed arrived in the Indian capital to lead the Bangladesh delegation at the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) conference. Despite the Bangladesh High Commission officially notifying the Indian Ministry of External Affairs of his travel itinerary well in advance, Delhi immigration authorities held him at the airport for over two hours without clarifying his entry status. Viewing this treatment as an affront to national dignity, the adviser demanded his passport back and resolved to exit the country. Although immigration officials later backtracked and repeatedly requested him to enter India, he stood firm on his decision to return home.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Zahed stated that while he was not subjected to explicit verbal abuse, the diplomatic protocol and courtesy due to a prime ministerial adviser were entirely absent. He noted that he chose not to withdraw the entire Bangladeshi delegation to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Following the standoff, the adviser flew back via Colombo and arrived in Dhaka on Monday. Regarding whether New Delhi should formally apologize, he stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling the matter through the highest state channels, adding that he remains open to visiting India in the future under appropriate diplomatic invitations.