News Brief
Bangladesh Invites Fugitive Preacher Zakir Naik For Month-Long Tour, 9 Years After Dhaka Terror Attack
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik
In a significant policy reversal, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has approved a nationwide visit by controversial Islamic preacher and wanted Indian fugitive Zakir Naik, India Today reported.
The preacher, who fled India after the 2016 Dhaka Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack, is set to visit Bangladesh between 28 November and 20 December 2025.
According to event organisers, the tour has been officially approved by the government and is being facilitated by officials. Naik is expected to deliver a series of sermons across multiple cities during his stay.
The move marks a sharp departure from the policies of the former Sheikh Hasina government, which banned Naik’s Peace TV following the 2016 attack.
One of the attackers had reportedly told investigators that he was influenced by Naik’s speeches on YouTube, prompting Naik to leave India soon after.
Since then, Naik has remained in Malaysia, where he obtained permanent residency. He faces charges in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) for alleged hate speech and promoting enmity between communities.
Naik’s upcoming Bangladesh visit follows his 2024 tour of Pakistan, where he was received with state honours. During that trip, he met figures linked to the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — including commander Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi and others designated as international terrorists by the United States.
Footage verified by India Today showed Naik addressing a massive gathering at Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque under tight security.
Dhaka’s decision to host Naik has raised regional concerns, with observers viewing it as a sensitive diplomatic move amid renewed scrutiny of extremist influence in South Asia.
