Dhaka Bars Controversial Preacher Zakir Naik From Entering Bangladesh Till Elections

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 13:46 IST

Bangladesh officials said Zakir Naik's travel ban was prompted by security and logistical concerns ahead of the national elections.

Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik prays during a prayer at a mosque in Melaka, Malaysia, September 7, 2019. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng

Bangladesh has decided to temporarily bar Indian-origin Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country. The decision was made on Tuesday during a meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka.

Officials said the move was prompted by security and logistical concerns ahead of the national elections.

What did the Bangladesh govt say on the ban?

According to the Bangladesh Home Ministry, a local organisation had invited Naik to speak at a two-day religious event in Dhaka on November 28 and 29, with plans for further visits across the country. However, the proposal was met with strong reactions from civil society groups and security agencies. 

During Tuesday’s meeting, officials concluded that Naik’s visit would likely attract massive crowds, demanding heavy police deployment at a time when law enforcement is already stretched thin due to election duties.

No visit before polls

Authorities ultimately decided that Naik’s visit could only be reconsidered after the elections were concluded. The decision was taken to maintain law and order and ensure that public resources remain focused on conducting a peaceful national poll. “Security is already under tremendous pressure due to the election schedule," said an official as quoted by Bangladesh Daily, Prothom Alo.

Who is Zakir Naik?

Zakir Naik has long courted controversy across South Asia. In 2016, after the deadly terrorist attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, Indian authorities accused him of promoting extremism and delivering inflammatory speeches. Naik fled India soon after and has since lived in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency in Putrajaya.

Following the 2016 attack, the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh banned Naik’s Peace TV channel after one of the assailants confessed to being inspired by his sermons. Reports suggest that the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus had initially approved a month-long visit for Naik beginning November 28.

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

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News world Dhaka Bars Controversial Preacher Zakir Naik From Entering Bangladesh Till Elections

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