Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to visit New Delhi between August 23 and 25, The Indian Express reported on Friday, as discussions continue between Bangladesh and India over his proposed bilateral trip.

“Tarique Rahman is likely to be in New Delhi between August 23 and 25,” the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.

Neither Dhaka nor New Delhi has formally announced the visit or confirmed the dates.

The report came on the same day that India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan issued and subsequently withdrew a statement referring to preparations for Tarique’s visit.

The statement said the Change of Guard ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan would not take place on Saturday, August 22, because a full rehearsal would be held for the ceremonial welcome of the Bangladeshi prime minister.

The notice was posted by India’s Press Information Bureau at 2:25pm on Friday but was later withdrawn.

No official explanation was immediately given for the withdrawal.

Several Indian media outlets have reported in recent days that discussions are underway over Tarique’s visit.

The Times of India reported earlier this week that Bangladesh and India were discussing a possible bilateral visit between August 21 and 25, while noting that it had not been officially confirmed.

The Economic Times also reported that Tarique could make a two-day visit following an invitation from New Delhi.

NDTV reported that preparations were underway for a bilateral visit and that a meeting between Tarique and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected during the trip.

The outlet said trade, connectivity, energy, border management and regional security could be among the issues discussed.

Other reports have indicated uncertainty over the timing.

ThePrint reported earlier this week that Tarique had “no plans” to visit India soon and was likely to skip the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September.

The Wire subsequently reported that New Delhi remained interested in an early visit and that Tarique could travel to India within weeks.

Daily Waadaa had earlier reported that Tarique could make a two-day bilateral visit to India in the third week of August, with officials in Dhaka and New Delhi working on the proposed trip.

The discussions have taken place amid differences between the two countries over deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in India since her ouster.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that a “propitious environment” needed to be created for Tarique to undertake a bilateral visit to India.

AKM Shahidul Karim, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, said officials from the two countries had been in contact for several weeks over the possibility of the visit.

He said the process had been “vitiated” by Hasina’s open press interaction in New Delhi on August 5.

Bangladesh has urged India to act on its request for the extradition of Hasina and other fugitives.

Dhaka has also sought the handover of suspects accused of involvement in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi under the bilateral extradition treaty.

“We are awaiting their response,” Shahidul said.

The Foreign Ministry’s comments on August 16 raised uncertainty over whether the proposed August visit would proceed.

The latest Indian media reports indicate that discussions over the trip have continued.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan statement on Friday was the first official Indian document to refer specifically to preparations for a ceremonial welcome for Tarique, although the notice was subsequently withdrawn.

The Indian Express report later placed the possible visit between August 23 and 25.

If confirmed, it would be Tarique’s first official visit to India since becoming prime minister in February.

A meeting with Modi is expected to be the main engagement during the proposed visit.

Hasina’s extradition, bilateral security issues, border management, trade, energy and connectivity are among the issues currently under discussion between Dhaka and New Delhi.

As of Friday, however, neither government had formally confirmed Tarique’s visit or announced an itinerary.

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