India’s presidential office withdrew a notice that had suggested preparations for a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The notice, published on Friday, August 21, said the regular Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s forecourt would not be held on Saturday, August 22, because of a rehearsal for the formal reception of an honoured state guest.

The Press Information Bureau published the statement at 2:25pm, but it was withdrawn before the afternoon ended. Around 3pm, the presidential office issued a new message saying the press release announcing that the Change of Guard would not take place on Saturday had been withdrawn. It remains unclear whether the withdrawal signals a change in a visit schedule or a procedural problem in issuing the notice.

The report says this was expected to be Rahman’s first India visit after taking oath as Bangladesh’s prime minister, though neither Dhaka nor New Delhi had formally announced it. State or government leaders visiting India are formally received at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with a guard of honour, national anthems and the presence of the president and prime minister. A full rehearsal is generally held the previous day.