Bangladesh has imposed a temporary entry ban on controversial Indian-origin Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, a decision finalized during a crucial Law and Order Core Committee meeting at the Home Affairs Ministry in Dhaka on November 5, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, concluded that Naik’s presence would attract massive crowds, requiring extensive police deployment at a time when security forces are fully committed to ensuring peaceful national elections. The interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had earlier approved a month-long visit starting November 28, but reversed it following strong public opposition and internal assessments.

A local organization had invited Naik to deliver speeches at a two-day event in Dhaka on November 28–29, with plans to travel across multiple cities until December 20. However, officials warned that such gatherings could escalate into security challenges, especially given the country’s politically charged pre-election atmosphere. The committee, which included Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, unanimously agreed to postpone any consideration of Naik’s visit until after the polls, prioritizing national stability over international religious outreach.

Zakir Naik remains a highly divisive figure globally. Wanted in India since 2016 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of inciting communal hatred, promoting extremism, and delivering inflammatory speeches, he fled the country following the deadly Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka that year. One of the assailants confessed to being radicalized by Naik’s sermons, prompting the then Sheikh Hasina government to ban his Peace TV channel nationwide. Now based in Malaysia with permanent residency, Naik continues to operate his Islamic Research Foundation and deliver lectures online.

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The decision reflects Bangladesh’s cautious approach under the Yunus-led interim administration, which has been balancing reform, reconciliation, and security since taking power. With elections looming and memories of past violence still fresh, authorities made it clear that public safety and electoral integrity take precedence. The Home Ministry stated that Naik’s visit could be revisited post-polls, but only under strict conditions and with full security clearance.

This move sends a strong signal: even high-profile international figures linked to extremism will face scrutiny in Bangladesh’s current climate. For now, Naik’s planned tour is off the table, and the nation focuses on a violence-free transition to democracy.

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