In a move aimed at maintaining law and order ahead of the upcoming national elections, Bangladesh has banned Indian-origin Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country. The decision was made on Tuesday (November 4) following a high-level meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka.
According to senior officials, the decision was taken due to security and logistical concerns related to Naik’s proposed visit. Authorities feared that his presence in Dhaka could attract massive crowds, posing a challenge for law enforcement agencies already engaged in election-related duties.
Home Ministry’s Statement
The Bangladesh Home Ministry revealed that a local religious organisation had invited Zakir Naik to address a two-day Islamic event in Dhaka, scheduled for November 28 and 29. Reports suggested that additional programs were also being planned for Naik’s extended visit.
However, the invitation quickly drew criticism from Bangladesh’s security agencies, who flagged potential risks surrounding crowd control, safety, and political sensitivities during the pre-election period.
Following internal consultations, the Home Ministry ruled that Naik’s entry would not be permitted until after the national elections.
“Given the large-scale interest and logistical demands of his visit, the current security environment does not allow for such a high-profile event,” a Home Ministry official said.
The statement added that Naik’s presence could “divert security resources” from electoral management and create unnecessary tension at a politically sensitive time.
Background and Controversy
Zakir Naik, founder of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has long been a controversial figure. He has been wanted in India on charges of money laundering and hate speech, allegations which he denies. He has been living in Malaysia since 2016, where he was granted permanent residency.
In 2016, Bangladesh banned Naik’s Peace TV channel after it was reported that several terrorists involved in the Dhaka café attack were influenced by his speeches.
While Naik continues to deny links to extremism, several countries — including India, the UK, and Canada — have restricted his activities or denied him entry in the past.
Election Security Priority
With Bangladesh preparing for general elections in early 2026, authorities have ramped up security across the nation. The government has made it clear that maintaining stability and ensuring a peaceful electoral process are top priorities.
“No event or individual will be allowed to disrupt the election environment,” said a senior Bangladeshi official, emphasizing that the decision was “preventive, not punitive.”
Naik or his representatives have yet to comment on the ban.
