Key Facts
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Information and Broadcasting Adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, was stopped by immigration officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on June 14, 2026, because his name appeared on a blacklist maintained by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The blacklist was generated in 2025 following anti-India remarks he made on social media platforms.
Mr. Rahman was traveling on a regular passport with a SAARC visa to attend a conference of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Delhi. IORA is an inter-governmental body comprising 23 countries, with India serving as Chair for the 2025-2027 term.
Details of the Incident
According to government sources, when Mr. Rahman arrived at Delhi airport, a system-generated alert flagged his name, leading immigration authorities to detain him. The Bangladesh High Commission had sent a formal letter to the MEA on June 12, 2026, confirming that Mr. Rahman would lead the Bangladeshi delegation at the IORA conference. However, his name had not been removed from the blacklist in time.
Sources stated that after the Bangladesh High Commission raised the issue, the immigration notice against Mr. Rahman was withdrawn, and he was allowed to enter India. However, the process took more than two hours, prompting Mr. Rahman to decide to return to Dhaka via a connecting flight from Colombo.
Background of the Blacklist
In 2016, the Union government informed Parliament that names of foreign nationals or foreigners of Indian origin who engage in anti-India activities, commit heinous crimes, or violate visa rules are placed on a negative list after due consultations. Such individuals are barred from entering India for a specified period. Various government departments, including state police, can recommend names for the list, which are then forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) for screening at all entry points.
Mr. Rahman was placed on the blacklist by the MEA due to his past anti-India remarks on social media. He was appointed as an adviser with the rank of a State Minister after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power in February 2026.
Impact and Reactions
The incident highlights the sensitivity of diplomatic protocols and the importance of timely coordination between foreign missions and host governments. While the issue was resolved, the delay caused embarrassment and raised questions about communication gaps. The Bangladesh government has not officially commented on the matter.
Source: www.thehindu.com
FAQ
Why was Zahed Ur Rahman stopped at Delhi airport?
His name was on a blacklist generated by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2025 due to past anti-India remarks on social media.
Did Zahed Ur Rahman eventually enter India?
After the Bangladesh High Commission intervened, the immigration alert was withdrawn, but the process took over two hours, and he chose to return to Dhaka via Colombo.
What is the IORA conference?
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organisation of 23 countries. India currently chairs it for 2025-2027.