New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday withdrew a statement that referred to preparations for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s reported visit to New Delhi, shortly after the communication was issued, according to a report by The Indian Express.
The President’s Office had earlier said that Saturday’s Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan would not be held because rehearsals were scheduled for the ceremonial reception of the Bangladeshi prime minister. The statement was issued around 2 pm, even though the visit had not been formally announced by either New Delhi or Dhaka.
Around 3 pm, the President’s Office sent another communication withdrawing the earlier release. No reason was given for the decision. The initial statement had therefore brought attention to preparations for Rahman’s reported visit before an official announcement from either government.
The Change of Guard ceremony is held at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of its regular ceremonial programme. When foreign leaders visit India, the President’s House hosts formal receptions that include a Guard of Honour, national anthems and introductions involving the visiting dignitary, the President and the Prime Minister.
Full-dress rehearsals for the ceremonial welcome precede such visits. The President also hosts a dinner for the visiting leader after the formal reception. The reference to rehearsals in the withdrawn statement indicated that such preparations were being made in connection with the reported visit by the Bangladeshi prime minister.
The withdrawal came less than an hour after the original release and before the reported visit had received formal confirmation from either side. The President’s Office has not provided further details on the withdrawal.