Rashtrapati Bhavan Withdraws Statement on Bangladesh PM's Ceremonial Welcome
Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew a statement about a cancelled guard ceremony linked to Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's visit, hours before it was due to begin.
In a rare administrative move on Friday, Rashtrapati Bhavan retracted an official statement it had issued less than an hour earlier, which referenced the upcoming visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi.
The original notice, released at 2 pm, announced the cancellation of the weekly Change of Guard ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026. It cited a full rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of the Bangladesh Prime Minister as the reason for the cancellation.
However, the visit — which would be Rahman's first to India since assuming office — has not yet been formally confirmed by either the Indian or Bangladeshi governments. This lack of official confirmation is believed to have prompted the withdrawal.
At around 3 pm, a fresh statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan simply declared that the earlier press release on the subject stood withdrawn, without offering any further explanation.
For visiting heads of state on official trips to India, the President's House hosts a grand ceremonial welcome in its forecourt. This event includes a tri-services Guard of Honour, the playing of national anthems, and introductions involving the President and the Prime Minister. A formal dinner reception for the visiting dignitary is also hosted by the President. As per established protocol, a full dress rehearsal is conducted a day prior to such ceremonies.