Government Postpones Zakir Naik's Bangladesh Visit Citing Election Security and Logistical Challenges

The Bangladesh government has temporarily denied permission for prominent Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to visit the country, citing significant security and logistical challenges leading up to the forthcoming national elections.

The decision was made during a law and order core committee meeting at the home ministry, chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Ministry sources indicated that an organization had invited Naik for programs in Dhaka and outside the capital on November 28–29.

The committee determined that the preacher’s visit would likely draw massive gatherings, necessitating an extensive deployment of law enforcement personnel. Officials stated this deployment is currently unfeasible, as the administration is preoccupied with election duties. The decision is that Naik "may visit after the national elections, but not before."

Zakir Naik, 60, is an Indian-born Islamic preacher who has been residing in Malaysia since 2016 after facing accusations in India of money laundering and promoting hate speech. His television network, Peace TV, was banned the same year.