Tensions between Bangladesh and India have flared again after Dhaka summoned a senior Indian diplomat to express formal dissatisfaction over the treatment of a key aide to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The official, Zahed Ur Rahman, who serves as a government strategy adviser, was detained and interrogated for several hours upon his arrival at New Delhi airport while traveling for a conference. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, labeled the incident as both “unfortunate” and “unexpected,” prompting an official protest delivered to Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe.

This diplomatic friction occurs against a backdrop of already complicated bilateral relations following the 2024 uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Hasina’s continued presence in India remains a major point of contention, as Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition. Furthermore, the two nations are struggling to resolve disputes over unauthorized cross-border migration, with Dhaka accusing Indian authorities of attempting to force migrants back into Bangladesh without proper protocol. While recent security talks aimed to improve border cooperation, these recurring incidents continue to cast a shadow over diplomatic efforts to stabilize the regional partnership.