Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Rashtrapati Bhavan Withdrawal Clouds Tarique Rahman’s Proposed India Visit
India had announced that it would practice a formal welcome for Bangladesh’s prime minister, Tarique Rahman.
The practice would have taken place before his possible visit.
Rashtrapati Bhavan later withdrew the announcement.
This made the visit look less certain.
Rahman may be expected in New Delhi for a BRICS summit.
Bangladesh says the two countries need mutual trust before arranging the trip.
It also wants India to send a dignified invitation.
India’s high commissioner said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted Rahman’s visit to be memorable.
The two countries are also arguing about former Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasana’s extradition.
Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew a notice announcing a full rehearsal for Tarique Rahman’s ceremonial welcome.
The rehearsal would have required cancellation of the August 22 Change of Guard Ceremony.
Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit remains uncertain.
Bangladesh says mutual trust, a dignified invitation, and clear national interests are necessary for the visit.
Tensions include Dhaka’s demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and concerns over her activities in Delhi.
- Who
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and officials from Bangladesh and India.
- What
- Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew a notice about rehearsing Rahman’s ceremonial welcome, creating uncertainty about his proposed India visit.
- When
- The notice was issued and withdrawn on August 21, 2026; the cancelled Change of Guard Ceremony was scheduled for August 22, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed visit is to New Delhi, India, for the BRICS summit; the diplomatic discussions also involve Dhaka.
- Why
- Bangladesh says mutual trust, a dignified invitation, and clearly defined national interests are needed, while tensions continue over Sheikh Hasina’s extradition demand.
Bangladesh’s Position
India’s Position
Whether conditions are ready
Bangladesh’s Position
Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the visit remained unlikely unless mutual trust and a dignified invitation were established, and said Dhaka was in no hurry without clear national interests.
India’s Position
Rashtrapati Bhavan had prepared for Rahman’s ceremonial welcome, while High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said Narendra Modi wanted the trip to be memorable.
Effect of Sheikh Hasina’s presence in Delhi
Bangladesh’s Position
Dhaka says talks have been affected by Sheikh Hasina’s press conference in Delhi and has linked Rahman’s visit to its demand for her extradition.
India’s Position
The articles report Indian outreach and preparations but do not provide a detailed Indian response to the extradition demand or Hasina’s press conference.
Meaning of the withdrawn notice
Bangladesh’s Position
The withdrawal reinforces Bangladesh’s caution and leaves the proposed visit undecided.
India’s Position
The notice withdrawal adds uncertainty, but the articles do not state why Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew it or that India formally cancelled the proposed visit.
- Proposed visitor
- Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh’s prime minister
- Proposed destination
- New Delhi, India
- Relevant summit
- The upcoming BRICS summit, scheduled for September 12–13
- Withdrawn notice
- A notice saying the August 22 Change of Guard Ceremony would be cancelled for a full rehearsal of Rahman’s ceremonial welcome
- Bangladesh’s conditions
- Mutual trust, a dignified invitation from New Delhi, and clearly defined national interests
- Diplomatic dispute
- Bangladesh has demanded the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina
- Reported Indian assurance
- High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said Narendra Modi wanted Rahman’s trip to be memorable
