Zahed ur Rehman, Bangladesh’s minister of information and Advisor to the Bangladeshi PM Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka after being humiliated by immigration authorities at Indira Gandhi airport in Delhi. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between the two countries already facing deterioration of relations since the ouster of Hasina Wajid.
Zahed arrived in New Delhi at the occasion of the 28th meeting of the CS0 (Committee of Senior Officials) of the Indian Ocean Rum Association (IORA). However, after he arrived at the Delhi airport, he claimed to have been mistreated and humiliated by immigration authorities.
The Hindu reported citing sources in Dhaka that the minister was held at the immigration counter for more a couple of hours without providing any clear justifications for the delay. Officials in Dhaka further told the Hindu that Zahed was briefed that routine checks had to be conducted without citing any specific reasons.
But the officials in India claimed the delay was associated with verification process. Sources in New Delhi said immigration officials checked Rahman’s background of statements made in the public interest and his views on India online, before permitting his entry. Rahman has a history of campaigning against Indian policies towards Bangladesh, including media statements and YouTube shows, officials said. Therefore, extra tests were made before he was allowed to be cleared. “However, in view of his earlier statements about India, immigration authorities conducted a verification process before allowing entry and Rahman was finally accorded a one-time exception to enter India,” an official source said. But when clearance was granted, Rahman had made up his mind to leave and take a flight back to Dhaka.
Rahman is one of the most prominent advisors of Tarique Rehman’s government which came to power in February. The incident comes at a critical time in India-Bangladesh relations as both countries are already locked in border disputes.
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