DHAKA : Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has described his decision to return to Bangladesh from New Delhi airport as an immediate protest against what he termed a lack of courtesy toward a representative of the Bangladeshi government.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Dr. Zahed said he was traveling to India not in a personal capacity but as the head of an official government delegation to attend a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

“I did not go there as an individual; I went as a representative of the government. Therefore, there needed to be an immediate response to what happened there. That is why I decided not to proceed,” he said.

According to the adviser, Indian immigration authorities delayed processing his entry upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Sunday evening. Although clearance was reportedly granted later following intervention from higher authorities, he chose not to enter India and instead returned to Dhaka via Colombo.

Dr. Zahed said the incident highlighted the importance of respecting Bangladesh’s democratic mandate.

“A message needs to be conveyed both at home and abroad that this is not Sheikh Hasina’s government. This is a government mandated by the people,” he said.

He emphasized that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is guided by the principle of “Bangladesh First,” adding that the government seeks constructive relations with all countries while safeguarding the country’s dignity and national interests.

“We do not want hostility with any country. However, this government will never compromise Bangladesh’s self-respect or sovereignty in dealing with any nation,” he said.

Addressing speculation surrounding his travel documents, Dr. Zahed clarified that he was traveling on a regular passport carrying a valid SAARC visa sticker and that the absence of a diplomatic passport was not the reason behind the incident.

“A diplomatic passport is a privilege, not an obligation. The issue was not related to my passport,” he said.

He also defended Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, saying the envoy remained by his side throughout the incident and made every effort to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels.

“After nearly two hours, I felt the delay had gone too far. As a representative of the state, I believed the necessary courtesy had not been extended, and I decided not to enter India,” he added.

Responding to questions about the possible impact on bilateral relations, Dr. Zahed said he did not believe the incident should create tensions between Bangladesh and India.

“This was an undesirable situation, and my response was an immediate reaction on behalf of the state. The matter is now being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

Dr. Zahed had been scheduled to lead the Bangladesh delegation at a two-day IORA senior officials’ meeting in New Delhi. Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bangladesh had formally informed the Indian government of his participation through diplomatic channels before the visit.