Despite being allowed entry after intervention from higher authorities, Rahman chose not to proceed with his visit and instead returned to Dhaka via Colombo, according to reports in Bangladeshi media.
The incident prompted Bangladesh to summon Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described the development as “unexpected” and “unfortunate”, according to state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
The episode comes at a sensitive time in bilateral relations as New Delhi and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government navigate a new phase of diplomatic engagement following the party’s return to power earlier this year.
'Held' for over 2 hours
According to reports by Bangladeshi newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, Zahed Ur Rahman arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening to attend the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
The meeting, hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, was scheduled for June 15 and 16.
Diplomatic sources cited by Bangladeshi media said Rahman was held by Indian immigration officials for approximately two-and-a-half hours after landing.
Although clearance was eventually granted, he decided against entering India and boarded a flight back to Bangladesh via Colombo.
Reports stated that Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi had formally informed India’s Ministry of External Affairs through a diplomatic note about Rahman’s visit before his arrival.
Bangladesh High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah had also reportedly communicated with relevant Indian officials regarding the trip.
Despite the advance notification, Rahman was reportedly stopped during immigration procedures and kept waiting for more than two hours before the matter was resolved.
Watchlist report emerges
The Daily Star, citing an Indian television channel, reported that Rahman’s name may have appeared on a security-related watchlist during verification checks.
The report also noted that he travelled on a regular green passport carrying a SAARC visa exemption sticker rather than a diplomatic passport.
Indian authorities have not publicly commented on the incident.
Who is Zahed Ur Rahman?
Zahed Ur Rahman is regarded as one of the prominent figures in the administration of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who assumed office in February following the BNP’s electoral victory.
A physician, columnist and political commentator, he previously served on the election reform commission established during the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
He is widely known in Bangladesh for his writings and commentary on democracy, governance, elections and human rights.
His role within the new administration has made the airport episode particularly noteworthy among diplomatic observers.
Incident comes amid foreign policy recalibration
The development has attracted attention as Bangladesh shapes its foreign policy priorities under the BNP-led government.
Recent reports suggested that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first overseas visit after assuming office would begin with Malaysia rather than India or China.
Observers viewed the move as part of a broader effort by Dhaka to maintain strategic balance amid regional geopolitical competition.
According to Prothom Alo, Bangladeshi government sources indicated that the administration carefully evaluated diplomatic considerations before deciding on the destination of Rahman’s first foreign trip.
He also claimed that Islamist groups had gained influence within sections of Bangladesh’s political establishment and alleged that Dhaka was creating greater space for elements perceived as hostile to India.
India’s early outreach to BNP govt
Following the formation of the BNP-led government, India moved quickly to establish engagement with the new administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi deputed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to attend Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony in February.
During the event, an invitation was extended for the Bangladeshi Prime Minister to visit India.
The gesture was viewed as an attempt by New Delhi to maintain continuity in bilateral relations after a period of political uncertainty in Bangladesh.
Against this backdrop, the airport incident has generated significant interest among diplomatic circles monitoring the trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.
While the episode resulted in a formal protest from Dhaka, there has been no indication so far that it has disrupted broader diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours.
Observers note that the eventual clearance granted to Rahman suggests the matter was resolved at the official level, even though he ultimately chose not to continue with the visit.
India and Bangladesh continue to cooperate on key areas, including trade, connectivity, maritime affairs, security and energy cooperation, making developments involving senior officials closely watched in both capitals.