India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew a press release regarding Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible upcoming visit to New Delhi about an hour after it was issued on Friday. The development was reported by Indian newspaper The Indian Express.

According to the report, a press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan at around 2:00pm local time said that the regular ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan would not be held on Saturday due to a full rehearsal for the formal reception of a distinguished guest.

Titled “No Change of Guard ceremony this Saturday,” the release stated that the ceremony scheduled for Saturday (August 22, 2026) would not take place due to the full rehearsal for the ceremonial reception of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

However, neither New Delhi nor Dhaka had officially announced Tarique Rahman’s visit. The statement was subsequently withdrawn.

Around 3:00pm, Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a new notice stating that the press release titled “No Change of Guard ceremony this Saturday,” issued on August 21, 2026, had been withdrawn.

India has a longstanding tradition of arranging special military and diplomatic ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan to welcome heads of state and senior leaders visiting the country on state visits. The ceremony at the forecourt typically includes a guard of honour by contingents of the three armed forces, the national anthem and a formal introduction involving the President and Prime Minister of India.

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

Source: The Indian Express