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

Nov 05, 2025 03:09 pm CST

Bangladesh has temporarily prohibited entry to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik due to security concerns ahead of national elections. The Indian-born preacher, wanted in India on extremism charges, was originally scheduled to visit from November 28 to December 20. Officials cited that his presence would require significant security resources already committed to ensuring peaceful elections. Naik remains controversial following the 2016 Dhaka terrorist attack, after which his Peace TV was banned in Bangladesh.