Bangladesh summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka on Monday to protest the treatment of Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during his recent visit to India. The incident has added tension to the already strained relations between the two neighboring countries.

According to the Bangladesh foreign ministry, Rahman was detained and questioned for several hours after arriving at New Delhi’s airport for a conference. Although Indian authorities eventually allowed him to continue his trip, Rahman chose to return to Bangladesh. The ministry described the incident as “unexpected and unfortunate.” Indian officials have not issued a public statement regarding the matter.

The diplomatic spat comes amid a backdrop of deteriorating ties following a 2024 uprising that overthrew the government of Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. Tarique Rahman, who emerged victorious in a subsequent election, succeeded an interim administration that had governed the country since Hasina’s ouster. Sheikh Hasina has reportedly been residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh after the revolution, and Dhaka has repeatedly called for her extradition.

Geographically, Bangladesh is nearly encircled by India, sharing a 4,096-kilometre (2,543-mile) land border. Cross-border tensions have intensified in recent years, with India accused of expelling individuals it regards as illegal migrants back into Bangladesh. These border issues continue to complicate an already fragile relationship.

The recent incident involving Zahed Ur Rahman highlights ongoing diplomatic frictions between the two South Asian neighbors. Officials in Dhaka view the treatment of the adviser as a breach of diplomatic protocols, while India’s silence on the matter has led to further unease. Observers note that without clear communication and resolution, bilateral relations may remain volatile.