Rashtrapati Bhavan retracts statement on Bangladeshi PM's visit
There is a perception among the public that India is not serious about establishing relations with Bangladesh 2.0.
In an unusual development on Friday, Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew its official press release related to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed visit to New Delhi in less than an hour after issuing it.
According to a report by Indian Express, the release from Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that the 'Change of Guard' ceremony on Saturday would be cancelled due to the full dress rehearsal for the formal welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. However, the release was retracted shortly thereafter, further complicating the situation regarding this high-profile visit. This incident also highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled for 12-13 September. In recent days, relations between the two countries have become strained, primarily due to Bangladesh's demand for the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan around 2 PM on Friday stated,
The 'Change of Guard' ceremony scheduled for Saturday will not take place as a full dress rehearsal is to be conducted before the formal welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Earlier, the release titled 'This Saturday's Change of Guard Ceremony Cancelled' mentioned, “The Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan scheduled for this Saturday (22 August, 2026) will not be held as a full dress rehearsal will be conducted for the formal welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.” However, the official announcement of this high-profile visit had not been made by either New Delhi or Dhaka until then. Subsequently, Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew the release. A new statement issued by the President's office around 3 PM stated,
The press release on 'This Saturday's Change of Guard Ceremony Cancelled' dated 21 August, 2026, is withdrawn.
Formal welcome ceremonies are organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan for heads of state and other foreign dignitaries visiting India on state visits. This is an important military and diplomatic tradition of India. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan includes a formal 'Guard of Honour' by the three services, the national anthems of both countries, and formal introductions to the President and Prime Minister of India. A full dress rehearsal is conducted a day before this ceremony. Later, a state banquet is hosted by the President in honour of the visiting leader.
On Tuesday, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi attempted to ease tensions between the two countries during a reception organised for Bangladeshi business leaders and a delegation from India in Dhaka. During the event, he mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Rahman's visit to be “memorable.” Trivedi said, “Prime Minister Modi has said just one thing—we should meet.”
However, signals from Dhaka's diplomatic circles remained cautious. In an interview with the government news agency BSS on Thursday, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir stated,
The possibility of Rahman's visit to India for the summit is “low” until an atmosphere of “mutual trust” is created and a “respectful invitation” is extended by New Delhi.
The Rahman government is not pursuing an anti-India policy and desires stable and friendly relations with New Delhi. However, it also does not want to send any message that it is compromising Bangladesh's national dignity and sovereignty.
According to experts on Bangladesh affairs,
This government's message is not anti-India, unlike during the previous interim government led by Yunus. Nor has this government engaged in anti-India rhetoric. Despite this, India's attitude remains the same as it was during the previous government.
The delay in restoring tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens by India is also being mentioned. The Rahman government took oath in February this year,
but tourist visas remained suspended until the end of June. Even when they were resumed, long-term visas were not issued as before. For Dhaka, this issue is now not only limited to bilateral relations between the two governments but also concerns the perception among the public.
An expert said, “More than the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the perception among the general public is that India is only making gestures and is not serious about establishing relations with 'Bangladesh 2.0'.”
Rahman would not want to go against this public sentiment. His supporters call him the “Janatar PM” or “People's Prime Minister.” In such a scenario, he cannot be seen making concessions to India without any concrete steps from New Delhi in return.