Tarique Rahman Visit: Rashtrapati Bhavan Withdraws Ceremonial Welcome Statement

Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday withdrew an official statement that had appeared to confirm preparations for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New Delhi, less than an hour after issuing it, the Indian Express reported.

At around 2 pm, the President's House said the Change of Guard Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 22, would not be held because of a full rehearsal for the "ceremonial welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh".

However, the visit had not yet been formally announced by either India or Bangladesh. At around 3 pm, Rashtrapati Bhavan issued another statement saying: "Press release issued on the subject ‘No Change of Guard Ceremony this Saturday’, which was issued on August 21, 2026, stands withdrawn."

What The Statement Revealed

The withdrawn release said the Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan would not take place on August 22 because of preparations for the ceremonial welcome of the Bangladesh prime minister.

Such ceremonies are part of the formal protocol for visiting heads of state and government, including a Guard of Honour, national anthems and introductions by the Indian president and prime minister. A full dress rehearsal is traditionally held a day before the ceremony.

The withdrawal therefore effectively removed an official confirmation of Rahman's expected visit before either government had publicly announced it.

Tarique Rahman Visit

Rahman's visit is expected to be his first to India as Bangladesh prime minister and comes amid a sensitive phase in India-Bangladesh ties.

The Indian Express had earlier reported that Rahman was likely to visit India next week as Dhaka continues to seek the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in 2024. Outlook India reported that preparations for the visit were under way, but the timing and programme had not been officially confirmed.

The MEA has said Bangladesh's extradition requests concerning Hasina are being examined through India's "established processes", while New Delhi has also reiterated its interest in maintaining "positive, constructive and forward-looking" relations with Dhaka.

The abrupt withdrawal of the Rashtrapati Bhavan statement leaves the precise timing and formal programme of Rahman's India visit unclear.