India explains detention of Bangladesh PM’s Adviser at Delhi

India has offered its explanation regarding the immigration incident involving Bangladesh Prime Minister's Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman at New Delhi's airport, stating that he was travelling on a personal passport and was eventually granted entry after routine questioning.

The clarification came from Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal following diplomatic exchanges between the two countries over the incident. Zahed Ur Rahman had travelled to New Delhi to attend a conference but reportedly encountered immigration difficulties upon arrival. After remaining at the airport for an extended period, he eventually returned to Dhaka, prompting criticism and a formal protest from the Bangladeshi government.

Addressing the matter, Jaiswal said the Bangladeshi official had entered India using a personal, non-official passport with a SAARC visa. He explained that immigration authorities conducted routine questioning and, upon confirming that Rahman had travelled to participate in a conference, authorised his entry into the country. According to the Indian side, the procedures were carried out in accordance with standard immigration protocols.

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The episode sparked diplomatic concern in Bangladesh, with Dhaka summoning the Indian envoy to lodge an official protest over the treatment of the Prime Minister's adviser. India's latest statement represents its first formal response to the controversy, offering its account of the events that unfolded at New Delhi's airport.