‘Tarique Rahman coming to India’ statement withdrawn within an hour
Photo: Rashtrapati Bhavan, India
India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday issued a statement mentioning Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to New Delhi. However, the statement was withdrawn less than an hour after it was issued. The Indian Express reported the development. It was assumed that Tarique Rahman’s visit to New Delhi would begin the following day.
The original statement issued at 2 pm said that the Change of Guard ceremony would not be held that day because a rehearsal was being conducted for the formal reception of the Bangladesh prime minister.
The statement was titled “Change of Guard ceremony will not be held next Saturday.” It said, “Due to the full-dress rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Change of Guard ceremony will not be held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan next Saturday (August 22, 2026).”
However, although this would be Tarique Rahman’s first visit to India after being sworn in as prime minister of his country, neither New Delhi nor Dhaka has officially announced the visit yet. This is likely why Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew the statement. A new statement issued around 3 pm simply said, “The press release issued on August 21, 2026, titled ‘Change of Guard ceremony will not be held next Saturday,’ is hereby withdrawn.”
Formal receptions are held at Rashtrapati Bhavan for heads of state and other important guests visiting India. The ceremony is an important part of India’s military and diplomatic traditions. Held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the ceremony includes a ceremonial guard of honor by the three-armed forces, the national anthem and the introduction of the visiting dignitary to the President and Prime Minister of India. Later, the President hosts a dinner in honor of the visiting leader.
According to protocol, a full-dress rehearsal is held one day before each formal reception.
