International

India Withdraws Notice Hinting at Tarique Rahman’s Possible New Delhi Visit

21 August 2026 19:08 PM

NEWS DESK

According to a report by The Indian Express, the press release issued by the Indian President’s Secretariat around 2pm local time said the traditional ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan would not be held on Saturday because of a full-dress rehearsal for the ceremonial reception of a visiting dignitary.

The withdrawn notice stated that the Change of Guard ceremony at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan would not take place on Saturday due to a “full-dress rehearsal for the ceremonial reception of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”

However, neither New Delhi nor Dhaka has officially announced Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit.

The notice was subsequently removed. Around 3pm, the President’s Secretariat issued a new communication stating that the press release titled “No Change of Guard ceremony this Saturday”, dated August 21, 2026, was being withdrawn.

Ceremonial Preparations at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan traditionally hosts elaborate military and diplomatic ceremonies to welcome heads of state and senior dignitaries visiting India on state visits.

The formal ceremony at the forecourt typically includes a guard of honour by personnel from the three armed services, the national anthems, and formal introductions involving the Indian President and Prime Minister.

A full-dress rehearsal is generally held a day before the main ceremony. A state banquet may also be hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of a visiting foreign leader.

The withdrawal of Friday’s press release has therefore drawn attention, particularly because it explicitly referred to preparations for the ceremonial reception of the Bangladesh prime minister, despite the absence of any official announcement regarding the proposed visit from either government.

India Tarique Rahman New Delhi Visit