Bangladesh has described India’s explanation regarding an incident at Delhi airport involving Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman as unsatisfactory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka said the event was unfortunate and regrettable. The spokesperson noted that Indian authorities had been duly informed through diplomatic channels that Dr. Rahman would lead Bangladesh’s delegation to a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Despite prior notification, Dr. Rahman was reportedly prevented from continuing his journey at Delhi airport earlier this month, when he was scheduled to head the delegation at the IORA meeting. The spokesperson reiterated Bangladesh’s disappointment over the treatment of its delegate.

Responding to a separate question about India’s comments on minorities in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said Bangladesh believes every state has an equal responsibility to ensure the rights and security of all its citizens, including minorities, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting those rights.