India withdraws statement on Tarique Rahman's visit

India's Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) has withdrawn a press release regarding Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming visit to New Delhi, just an hour after it was issued, according to a report by The Indian Express on Friday.

The initial press release, issued around 2pm local time, stated that the 'Change of Guard' ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan would not be held on Saturday (August 22) due to a full rehearsal for the 'ceremonial welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh' . However, neither New Delhi nor Dhaka had officially announced the visit at that point. Around 3pm, Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a new statement saying the earlier release "stands withdrawn".

Such ceremonial welcomes are a standard protocol for visiting heads of state and government, including a Guard of Honour, national anthems, and a formal introduction by the President and Prime Minister of India. A full dress rehearsal is traditionally held a day before the ceremony.

The withdrawal of the statement has left the timing and programme of Tarique Rahman's visit unclear .

It may be mentioned that recent media reports have indicated that Tarique Rahman's visit to India is expected to take place this month, but both countries have maintained a diplomatic silence over the specifics of the visit.