India Withdraws Statement on Tarique Rahman’s Possible Delhi Visit

India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew a statement regarding Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi just an hour after it was issued. The unusual move was reported by Indian newspaper The Indian Express on Friday (August 21).

According to the report, Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a press release around 2pm local time stating that the regular ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony would not be held on Saturday (August 22) due to a full-dress rehearsal for the formal reception of Bangladesh’s prime minister.

However, neither Dhaka nor New Delhi had officially announced Tarique Rahman’s visit. The statement was later withdrawn. Around 3pm, the President’s Secretariat issued a new notice saying that the press release titled “No Change of Guard Ceremony This Saturday,” issued on August 21, was being withdrawn.

India has a long-standing tradition of holding special ceremonial arrangements at Rashtrapati Bhavan to welcome foreign heads of state and government. These typically include a guard of honour, the national anthem and a formal introduction involving the Indian president and prime minister.

A full rehearsal is usually held on the day before the main ceremony. A state dinner may also be hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of the visiting leader.