Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over PM adviser's Delhi airport ordeal
What's the story
Bangladesh has summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe in Dhaka to express its "deep disappointment" over an incident involving Bangladesh PM's adviser on policy and strategy affairs, Zahed ur Rahman. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport when Zahed was detained by immigration authorities for hours. He was traveling to India on a government invitation and was scheduled to attend a meeting hosted by the external affairs ministry.
Detention details
Zahed was stopped after his name was flagged
Zahed was reportedly stopped for questioning after his name was flagged during a routine security check. He had a regular Bangladeshi passport with a SAARC visa and wasn't carrying a diplomatic passport. The Prothom Alo newspaper cited diplomatic sources saying he was questioned by immigration authorities for about two and a half hours. He was later allowed entry but he chose to return to Dhaka via Colombo instead of entering the country after the "unpleasant incident."
Official response
Government taking appropriate steps regarding the matter
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said the government was taking appropriate steps regarding the matter. He called it an "unexpected incident" and "unfortunate, too." Bangladesh's High Commission in New Delhi had formally informed MEA regarding Zahed's participation in the meeting, Prothom Alo reported. Bangladesh High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah had also spoken to Indian officials concerned before the visit. Despite these communications, Zahed was reportedly stopped during immigration checks and kept waiting "without a clear explanation being conveyed immediately."
Ties
Ties between Dhaka and New Delhi see-saw
The developments come at a time when Dhaka and New Delhi are trying to improve ties after the fall of the Awami League government. Both nations had imposed trade restrictions, and Indian missions in Bangladesh reduced the issuance of visas. After the February election, top Indian officials attended the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected BNP administration. However, recent attempts by India to deport illegal migrants in West Bengal and Assam to Bangladesh have surfaced as a new source of friction.