Zakir Naik banned from entering Bangladesh till national polls, interim govt cites crowd and security concerns

File photo of Zakir Naik

Bangladesh’s interim government has decided to temporarily bar controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country. The move, announced after a high-level meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday, comes amid growing security concerns and public backlash ahead of national elections.

Ban imposed over security and crowd concerns

Officials said the decision was taken to avoid potential law and order issues that could arise from Naik’s visit. A local religious organisation had invited the Indian-origin preacher to address a two-day event in Dhaka on November 28 and 29, followed by appearances in other parts of the country. However, the plan quickly drew criticism from civil society groups and triggered alarm within the security establishment.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the committee assessed that Naik’s public appearance would likely draw massive crowds, stretching the already burdened police force engaged in election duties. “Security is already under tremendous pressure due to the election schedule,” an official told Prothom Alo.

Authorities concluded that any visit by Naik would only be reconsidered after the elections. Officials said the decision was necessary to maintain stability and ensure that police resources remain focused on conducting a peaceful vote.

Controversial preacher under global scrutiny

Zakir Naik has been a divisive figure for years, facing accusations of spreading extremist ideology across South Asia. His speeches have often been criticised for promoting intolerance and radicalism, particularly among youth audiences.

In 2016, Naik came under intense scrutiny after the deadly Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack in Dhaka. Investigations revealed that one of the assailants had confessed to being inspired by Naik’s sermons. Following the attack, the Sheikh Hasina government banned his Peace TV channel in Bangladesh.

Naik fled India soon after Indian authorities accused him of delivering hate-filled lectures and inciting communal disharmony. He has since lived in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency in Putrajaya.

Bangladesh’s shifting stance under Yunus

Reports suggest that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus had initially cleared a month-long visit for Naik starting November 28. The decision was quietly reversed this week after sharp criticism from rights groups and warnings from law enforcement agencies about possible unrest.

Naik remains wanted in India by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on multiple charges related to promoting enmity between religious communities and delivering inflammatory speeches. His return to the public stage, even in Bangladesh, is viewed with deep suspicion by regional security agencies.