India withdraws statement on PM Tarique Rahman's possible visit to New Delhi

India's Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday withdrew a press release issued earlier in the day regarding a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi.

According to a report by *The Indian Express*, the statement was issued around 2pm local time and said that the ceremonial “Change of Guard” at Rashtrapati Bhavan would not be held on Saturday due to a full rehearsal for the formal reception of a distinguished guest.

The press release, titled “There will be no Change of Guard ceremony this Saturday,” stated that the ceremony at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan would not take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, due to a full rehearsal for the formal reception of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

However, neither New Delhi nor Dhaka had officially announced any visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The statement was subsequently withdrawn.

Around 3pm, the President’s Secretariat issued a new notice stating that the press release titled “There will be no Change of Guard ceremony this Saturday,” issued on August 21, 2026, was being withdrawn.

Rashtrapati Bhavan traditionally hosts special military and diplomatic ceremonies to honor heads of state and senior foreign dignitaries visiting India on state visits. The ceremony at the forecourt generally includes a guard of honor by the three armed forces, the national anthems of both countries, and a formal introduction involving the Indian President and Prime Minister.

A full rehearsal for the main ceremony is usually held a day before the event. A state dinner is also traditionally hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honor of visiting senior leaders.

Source: The Indian Express