Dhaka Rejects New Delhi's Explanation Over Airport Detention of PM's Advisor

Bangladesh has officially rejected New Delhi’s explanation regarding the airport detention of Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, the Advisor to the Prime Minister, terming India's stance "unsatisfactory, unfortunate, and regrettable."

Responding to recent remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Spokesperson A.K.M. Shahidul Karim stated on Wednesday (June 24) that the treatment meted out to the high-level official at the Delhi airport lacks justification.

The Foreign Ministry clarified that New Delhi had been formally notified well in advance through proper diplomatic channels that Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman would be leading the Bangladesh delegation to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) summit. Despite prior official communication, immigration authorities at Delhi airport intercepted and interrogated the Advisor on June 14. While MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal claimed on Tuesday that the official was briefly questioned as he held a personal passport and a SAARC visa before being cleared to enter—after which he voluntarily chose to return to Dhaka—Bangladesh authorities deemed the execution of the process highly unprofessional.

Dhaka also addressed separate remarks by the Indian MEA spokesperson regarding the alleged persecution of minorities, which were brought up in relation to protests over the construction of an 81-foot statue of Sri Ram in Gaibandha's Palashbari. Replying to allegations of extremist activities, Karim asserted that Bangladesh firmly believes every sovereign nation bears an equal responsibility to protect all its citizens, including minorities, within its territory. He reiterated that the government of Bangladesh remains unyielding in its commitment to guaranteeing the security, peace, and rights of minority communities, rendering external concerns unnecessary.