10 months ago
Harmony Foundation Condemns Bangladesh's Welcome to Zakir Naik Amidst Concerns
Imagine a famous person who some people think is very good, but others think he says things that cause harm.
This famous person, named Zakir Naik, is wanted by the police in India for saying bad things and taking money wrongly.
Now, the country of Bangladesh has said he can visit for almost a whole month to give speeches.
A group called the Harmony Foundation is very upset about this.
They say Bangladesh is rolling out a red carpet for someone who spreads hate and has influenced bad events in the past, like a terrible attack where many people were killed.
They believe welcoming him goes against peace and kindness.
They also pointed out that a different leader in Bangladesh used to not allow him to speak because they thought he was dangerous.
The Harmony Foundation is asking the world to speak out against Bangladesh's decision.
Bangladesh has approved a three-week visit for controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, from November 28 to December 20.
Zakir Naik is wanted in India on charges of money laundering and hate speech.
The Harmony Foundation, an NGO, strongly criticizes Bangladesh's decision, calling it an 'invitation to darkness' and a 'blow to humanity'.
The foundation alleges Naik's sermons have fueled radicalism and influenced events like the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka.
Harmony Foundation founder Dr. Abraham Mathai contrasted the current welcome with Bangladesh's past stance of banning Naik under Sheikh Hasina's administration.
- Who
- Harmony Foundation and its founder Dr. Abraham Mathai are criticizing the Bangladesh government's decision regarding Zakir Naik's visit.
- What
- Bangladesh has approved a nearly month-long visit for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted in India on hate speech and money laundering charges.
- Where
- Bangladesh
- When
- The visit is scheduled from November 28 to December 20.
- Why
- Harmony Foundation criticizes the visit as an 'invitation to darkness' and a 'blow to humanity,' citing Naik's alleged radicalism and influence on past terrorist acts, while the Bangladesh government's reasons for approval are not detailed in the provided text.
Harmony Foundation's View
Bangladesh Government's Action (Implied)
Zakir Naik's Visit and Impact
Harmony Foundation's View
Zakir Naik is a fugitive wanted in India for money laundering and hate speech, whose radical sermons have allegedly fueled terrorism, including the 2016 Dhaka bakery attack. Welcoming him is an invitation to darkness and a blow to peace and humanity.
Bangladesh Government's Action (Implied)
Bangladesh has approved Zakir Naik's visit for a series of sermons, indicating a decision to allow his presence and activities within the country for a specified period.
Historical Context and Government Stance
Harmony Foundation's View
Under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh previously banned Naik, recognizing the dangers of extremism. The current welcome contradicts this stance and betrays the ideals of peace and harmony.
Bangladesh Government's Action (Implied)
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly green-lit Naik's nearly month-long visit, signifying a departure from previous restrictions or a different policy approach.
Significance of Yunus's Involvement
Harmony Foundation's View
It is deeply troubling that a Nobel Peace laureate like Muhammad Yunus is presiding over a government that welcomes voices of violence and division, betraying the ideals of harmony.
Bangladesh Government's Action (Implied)
Muhammad Yunus is leading an interim government that has approved Zakir Naik's visit.
Key facts
- Zakir Naik's Visit Duration
- November 28 to December 20
- Zakir Naik's Status in India
- Wanted for money laundering and hate speech charges
- Harmony Foundation Founder
- Dr. Abraham Mathai
- Alleged Influence of Naik's Sermons
- 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka
- Bangladesh Interim Government Head
- Muhammad Yunus
Quotes
Dr Abraham Mathai
Founder chairman of Harmony Foundation and former-vice chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission.
“Bangladesh’s decision to welcome the fugitive Zakir Naik with full honors, a man whose words have bred terror and turned young hearts into weapons, is not a visit but an invitation to darkness.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The world knows Zakir Naik’s speeches are filled with radicalism that spread fundamental, and violent ideas among people, especially the youth. The world witnessed the fruits of his poison during the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka, where 29 innocent people were brutally murdered by young men reportedly influenced by Zakir Naik’s extremist sermons.”
deccanchronicle.com
Harmony Foundation
An NGO based in Mumbai that criticizes Bangladesh's decision to welcome Zakir Naik.
“this same preacher of hate who was once banned by Sheikh Hasina’s administration is now being given a full red-carpet tour, which is a blow to all who stand for peace.”
deccanchronicle.com





