India's Rashtrapati Bhavan Recalls Statement on Bangladesh PM's Visit

In an unusual move on Friday, Rashtrapati Bhavan recalled a statement that referred to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Delhi, which was believed to start a day later. The statement was recalled less than an hour after it was released. The original statement – published at 2 pm – said there would be no change of guard on the day owing to rehearsals ahead of the Bangladesh leader’s ceremonial reception. The statement – ‘No change of guard ceremony this Saturday’ – said: “The Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan will not take place this Saturday (August 22, 2026) due to the full rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.” However, Rahman’s visit – his first since being sworn in as his country’s leader – has not yet been formally announced, either by New Delhi or Dhaka, which likely prompted Rashtrapati Bhavan’s recall. A new statement – sent at around 3 pm simply said, “Press release issued on the subject ‘No Change of Guard Ceremony this Saturday’, which was issued on August 21, 2026, stands withdrawn.” For visiting heads of state and other dignitaries on state visits to India, the President’s House hosts a ceremonial welcome as a grand military and diplomatic tradition. The ceremony takes place in the forecourt and features a formal tri-services Guard of Honour, national anthems, and introductions by the President of India and the Prime Minister. Later, the President also hosts a dinner reception for the visiting leader. As part of the protocol, full dress rehearsals are conducted a day ahead of each ceremony.