Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Bangladesh Temporarily Bars Zakir Naik Entry Amid Election Security Concerns
Bangladesh has decided not to let an Indian preacher named Zakir Naik visit their country for now.
They made this decision because they are worried about safety and managing large crowds, especially since an election is coming soon.
The preacher was invited by a local group to give speeches on November 28 and 29.
However, the government felt that his visit might cause problems for the police and security during the election time.
Zakir Naik is a controversial figure, and India has accused him of giving speeches that caused problems.
So, to keep things calm and safe before the election, Bangladesh decided not to let him enter the country for now.
They might allow him to visit after the elections are over.
Bangladesh has temporarily barred Indian-origin Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country.
The decision was made by the Law and Order Core Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka due to security and logistical concerns.
Authorities cited worries about potentially massive crowds and the need for significant law enforcement, especially during the pre-election period.
Naik was invited by a local organization to attend a religious event in Dhaka scheduled for November 28 and 29.
Zakir Naik is a controversial figure wanted in India on charges of inciting hatred and delivering inflammatory speeches.
- Who
- The interim government of Bangladesh, specifically the Law and Order Core Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- What
- Temporarily banned Indian-origin Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country.
- When
- The decision was made on Tuesday, November 4. The planned visit was for November 28-29, with the restriction lasting until the election of the next government.
- Where
- Bangladesh
- Why
- Concerns about security and logistics, potential for massive crowds, strain on law enforcement, and disruption to the pre-election security situation.
Government Concerns
Inviting Organization's Request
Security and Logistical Strain
Government Concerns
The government cited security and logistical concerns, highlighting potential for massive crowds and the need for extensive police deployment, which would strain law enforcement resources already focused on election duties.
Inviting Organization's Request
A local organization had invited Zakir Naik to address a religious conference in Dhaka and for further engagements across the country.
Impact on Electoral Process
Government Concerns
Naik's presence was deemed potentially disruptive to the sensitive pre-election period, with the decision aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Inviting Organization's Request
The invitation for Naik to speak suggests a desire for his presence and message by the local organization.
- Cleric
- Zakir Naik (Indian-origin Islamic preacher)
- Action Taken
- Temporarily banned from entering Bangladesh
- Reason
- Security and logistical concerns, potential for large crowds, pre-election period, strain on law enforcement.
- Inviting Organization
- A local organization
- Planned Event Dates
- November 28-29
- Naik's Status in India
- Wanted by NIA for inciting communal hatred and delivering hate speeches.
- Previous Ban
- Peace TV banned in Bangladesh after 2016 attack, reportedly influenced by Naik's speeches.
Sources
Bangladesh Interim Government Bars Indian-Origin Preacher Zakir Naik From Entering Country Amid Security And Law-And-Order Concerns
Bangladesh Temporarily Bars Entry Of Controversial Hate Preacher Zakir Naik
Controversial Zakir Naik banned from Bangladesh till elections. Here's why
