Bangladesh Protests After PM's Adviser Stopped at Delhi Airport

Immigration officials flagged his name during a routine security screening and questioned him for roughly two-and-a-half hours, according to state-run BSS. Indian authorities granted him a one-time exemption to enter the country, the report said. Rahman cut short the visit and returned to Bangladesh.

A source told Hindustan Times that Rahman's name was on a watchlist because of prior critical comments about India, including through his YouTube channel "Zahed's Take," which is blocked in India. A second person familiar with the matter said Rahman traveled on a regular passport, not a diplomatic one, and did not apply separately for an Indian visa. He entered using a SAARC visa issued by Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry, a development that was not communicated to Indian authorities in advance, the person added.

Rahman is a political commentator and has been a vocal critic of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her administration. He was appointed to his post on February 17, 2026, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government.

The incident adds to recent strains in bilateral ties between Dhaka and New Delhi. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry said it expects Indian authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur for officials traveling on official business.