Fallout on BD-India ties unlikely Dr Zahed

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday expressed confidence that the recent incident at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would not have a lasting impact on relations between Bangladesh and India, describing his decision to return home as an immediate protest against what he viewed as a lack of due courtesy towards a representative of the Bangladeshi state.

Speaking at a press conference at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat, Dr Zahed said he chose to return to Dhaka after being delayed and denied entry by Indian immigration authorities despite prior diplomatic notification of his visit.

“I did not go there as an individual; I went as a representative of the government,” he told reporters. “Therefore, what happened to me there required an immediate protest.

That is why I decided to return.”

Dr Zahed said Indian authorities later sought to facilitate his entry and participation in official engagements, but he felt it was important to register a clear response on behalf of the state.

“After a certain point, they tried very hard to ensure that I entered India and participated in my scheduled engagements.

But as the Prime Minister’s adviser, I felt there should be a clear signature from the state or the government regarding the incident,” he said.

He stressed that his decision was not intended to trigger tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

“I never had any intention that this would create a cycle of negative reactions or counter-reactions,” he said.

Referring to the political context, Dr Zahed said it was important to convey that the current administration derives its authority from a popular mandate.

“A message needed to go out both within the country and abroad that this is not the Sheikh Hasina government. This is a government that has received its mandate from the people,” he said.

He added that governments elected by the people should be recognised and treated accordingly by all parties, both at home and abroad.

At the same time, the adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to maintaining constructive relations with all countries, including India.

“We have a very clear policy regarding future engagement with India and every other country. We do not want any kind of hostile situation with any country, let alone enmity,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s foreign policy approach, Dr Zahed said, “Our slogan is ‘Bangladesh First’.

That means Bangladesh’s interests will come first, and on that basis we will engage with every country on matters of mutual interest.

But this government will not pursue relations with any country by compromising the state’s dignity, self-respect or national interests.”

Asked whether the incident could place strain on bilateral relations, he dismissed such concerns.

“Personally, I do not think this should create any pressure in the relationship,” he said, adding that the matter had now been handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further action.

The adviser also rejected suggestions that the episode was linked to his not carrying a diplomatic passport.

“I do not have a diplomatic passport, but that is not the reason,” he said. “My passport carries a SAARC sticker, which should effectively provide the same facilitation in this context.”

He noted that holding a diplomatic passport was not a legal requirement for him and described it as a privilege rather than a necessity for official travel.

Dr Zahed praised Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M. Riaz Hamidullah for his efforts to resolve the matter, saying the envoy remained engaged throughout the episode and made extensive efforts to secure clearance.

According to the adviser, he decided to return after waiting for nearly two hours, believing that the courtesy due to his official position had not been extended.

Dr Zahed had travelled to New Delhi on Sunday to lead Bangladesh’s delegation to the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

However, after being stopped by immigration authorities, he declined to enter India even after clearance was reportedly granted later by higher authorities and instead returned to Dhaka via Colombo.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner and Chargé d’Affaires Pawan Badhe and conveyed Bangladesh’s displeasure.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman described the episode as “unexpected and unfortunate”, while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government was in communication with India and would determine further steps after reviewing the full details.

Despite the diplomatic row, Dr Zahed said he remained willing to visit India in the future if invited officially, signalling Bangladesh’s continued commitment to engagement with its largest neighbour while safeguarding its national dignity and interests.