Dhaka Rejects India’s Explanation Over Airport Detention Incident

Dhaka has formally rejected New Delhi’s explanation regarding an incident at Delhi airport involving Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Characterising the episode as both “unfortunate and regrettable”, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the official clarification provided by India lacks substance and fails to address the gravity of the diplomatic breach.

The diplomatic row surfaced publicly when the spokesperson for Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the state news agency, Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The briefing was prompted by recent remarks from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding the airport confrontation, which occurred earlier this month.

According to Dhaka, Zahed Ur Rahman was scheduled to lead the Bangladeshi delegation to a high-profile meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Given the multilateral nature of the event, Bangladesh had followed all standard diplomatic protocols. The Indian authorities had been officially notified well in advance through established diplomatic channels that the Prime Minister’s adviser would be heading the delegation.

Despite these prior clearances, Mr Rahman was intercepted at Delhi airport and prevented from continuing his journey. The decision by Indian immigration or security officials to restrict the movement of a state-sanctioned delegation leader has caused considerable friction.

“The Indian side was fully aware of the adviser’s itinerary and his diplomatic status,” the Bangladeshi spokesperson noted, expressing deep dissatisfaction with how the matter was handled. “To face such an obstruction after fulfilling all formal requirements is entirely unacceptable.”

The briefing also addressed broader bilateral tensions, specifically responding to recent commentary from New Delhi regarding the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh. The spokesperson firmly countered these remarks, emphasizing that safeguarding citizens is an internal sovereign responsibility. Dhaka believes every state holds an equal and absolute obligation to protect the rights and security of all individuals residing within its territory, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

The Bangladeshi government reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring the security, fundamental rights, and peace of all its citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic identity. Observers note that this sharp exchange reflects a growing fragility in bilateral ties, with Dhaka expecting a more cooperative and legally respectful approach from its neighbour to prevent such diplomatic missteps in the future.