Bangladesh Temporarily Bars Controversial Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik Amid Pre-Election Security Concerns

Zakir Naik was scheduled to visit Dhaka for a two-day event on November 28 and 29 (File)

Bangladesh has implemented a temporary ban on Indian-born Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country. This decision was reached on Tuesday during a Law and Order Core Committee meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka.

Dhaka's Home Ministry officials confirmed that a local organization had extended an invitation to Naik for a two-day event planned for November 28 and 29 in Dhaka, with additional travel throughout the country. His potential visit had been under scrutiny for several days, generating strong reactions from segments of Bangladesh society.

Officials determined during Tuesday's meeting that Naik's presence would likely draw massive crowds, necessitating substantial law enforcement deployment. With security forces already heavily committed to ensuring peaceful national elections, authorities concluded that considering Naik's visit would only be possible after the completion of elections.

Zakir Naik has been a controversial figure for years. Following the deadly 2016 terrorist attack on Dhaka's Holey Artisan Bakery, Indian authorities accused him of promoting extremism and delivering inflammatory speeches. Naik subsequently fled India and has since resided in Malaysia, where he received permanent residency in Putrajaya.

After the 2016 attack, Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh banned Naik's Peace TV after one attacker confessed to being influenced by his sermons.

Reports suggest that Muhammad Yunus's interim government had initially approved a month-long visit for Naik, scheduled from November 28 to December 20. During this period, he was expected to travel across Bangladesh delivering speeches that critics have often described as divisive and inflammatory.

Naik remains wanted in India on multiple charges filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), including inciting communal hatred and delivering hate speeches.

Tuesday's meeting in Dhaka was chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The meeting included Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, the Chief Adviser's Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, and various senior officials from government agencies.