Mahdi Hasan Alleged Harassment in Delhi

Fresh controversy has emerged surrounding Mahdi Hasan, a former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Member Secretary of its Habiganj district unit, following reports about his recent visit to New Delhi. The discussion centres on his presence in the Indian capital accompanied by a woman, whom he has reportedly described as a close relative.

According to sources familiar with the matter and various media reports, Hasan travelled to New Delhi to initiate the process of obtaining a Portuguese visa. Bangladeshi citizens are generally required to submit applications for Portuguese visas through designated centres in New Delhi, making an Indian visa a prerequisite. It is understood that Hasan secured the necessary Indian visa through regular procedures before undertaking the journey.

On Tuesday morning, he was reportedly seen at a private visa processing centre in Connaught Place, a commercial hub in central New Delhi. The centre is authorised to accept and process visa applications on behalf of several foreign embassies. Witnesses stated that Hasan was seated in the waiting area alongside the woman accompanying him when another applicant recognised him. That individual is said to have discreetly recorded a video. The person who filmed the footage had reportedly been present to apply for a visa to another country.

Sources indicate that at approximately eleven o’clock in the morning Hasan was formally identified by individuals at the centre. Shortly afterwards, he allegedly began receiving multiple telephone calls from unfamiliar numbers originating from both Bangladesh and India. One source claimed that the sudden influx of calls left him visibly unsettled, particularly given that he was abroad at the time.

After leaving the visa centre, Hasan is said to have travelled to the Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi. Reports suggest that he later attempted to find temporary accommodation in various parts of the city but was unable to secure a place to stay, possibly due to concerns about personal safety.

On Wednesday at 3:40 in the afternoon, he returned to Dhaka on a commercial passenger flight, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Immigration officials there questioned him regarding his travel and activities. Hasan has since alleged that he faced harassment during his stay in India, though further details have not been publicly substantiated.

A summary of the reported sequence of events is provided below:

Sources further suggest that Hasan had intended to travel onward to Lisbon upon securing the Portuguese visa. However, it remains unclear whether that plan will proceed in light of the recent developments. The episode has prompted continued political and social debate, with differing interpretations circulating in public discourse.