Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is set to give a grand welcome to controversial Islamic preacher and wanted Indian fugitive Zakir Naik next month, nine years after he was banned by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Naik, known for his radical speeches and controversial comments, will visit Bangladesh for the first time from November 28 to December 20, 2025, where he will deliver several sermons across the country. His one-month visit has been approved by the interim Yunus government.
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Why was Nike banned?
The previous Sheikh Hasina government had banned Zakir Naik after the Dhaka Holi Artisan Bakery terror attack in July 2016. Naik was accused of spreading communal disharmony through his Peace TV channel and social media platforms, which together have more than 2 crore followers. More than 20 people were killed in the blast in Dhaka and one of the attackers reportedly claimed to be inspired by Naik’s speeches. Some youths who joined Islamic State have reportedly said they were attracted to the Middle East’s deadliest terror group after meeting a controversial preacher. However, Naik has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack or in promoting terrorism and has said that his teachings advocate peace and interfaith harmony.
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Naik’s visit to Pakistan
The Bangladesh government’s decision to host Naik comes less than a year after Pakistan extended a similar welcome to the controversial religious leader. Last year, the Pakistan government had given a grand welcome to Naik on his arrival in Islamabad. During that trip, he was reportedly seen meeting members of the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including commanders Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi, Muhammad Haris Dhar and Faisal Nadeem, who were designated international terrorists by the United States in 2008.