Uncertainty Over Bangladesh PM's India Visit, Rashtrapati Bhavan Recalls Notice

Uncertainty continues to shroud Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's reported visit to India this weekend.

At the regular briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, the spokesperson said he had no updates. "I have nothing to say on this matter. If I have any updates, I will share them with you," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said when asked about Rahman's visit to New Delhi.

Earlier on Friday, Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew an official communication that mentioned the cancellation of Saturday's Change of Guard ceremony to accommodate the full rehearsal of Rahman's ceremonial welcome.

The press release from Rashtrapati Bhavan gave the impression that the long-discussed visit was happening. But soon after, the notice was withdrawn.

After announcing the suspension of the ceremony, Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a fresh statement later in the afternoon, stating that the press release issued on Friday on the subject "No Change of Guard Ceremony this Saturday" stands withdrawn.

Usually, the 30-minute Change of Guard Ceremony at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan is held every Saturday morning. The ceremony does not take place on a Saturday if it is a gazetted holiday or if it is so notified by Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Change of Guard ceremony is a military tradition under which guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to take charge, according to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Rahman's visit to India was reportedly planned for August 23 and 24 but fell through in view of certain issues.

The Ministry of External Affairs had announced earlier this month that India had invited Rahman for a bilateral visit as well as to attend the outreach session of the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi.

There have been a series of diplomatic meetings to thrash out the details of the high-profile visit.

Relations between the two countries came under some fresh strain after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina held a virtual media interaction in New Delhi on August 5.

Following Hasina's interaction, Dhaka reiterated its demand for her extradition and even sought to link it with Rahman's possible visit to India.

After the media event, India distanced itself from it, saying New Delhi had neither played a role in it nor endorsed Hasina's comments.

Hasina, 78, was ousted from power in August 2024 following violent student-led protests. She has been living in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5 that year.