Highlights
- Controversial preacher Zakir Naik invited to Bangladesh for a major Islamic conference.
- His visit scheduled from November 28 to December 20, 2025.
- India expresses concern; analysts see the move as politically sensitive.
- Opposition parties and rights groups warn of rising extremism risks.
Controversial Preacher Invited to Bangladesh
India’s most wanted Islamic preacher, Dr. Zakir Naik, has reportedly been invited to Bangladesh for an “International Islamic Conference” to be held from November 28 to December 20, 2025.
According to sources, Naik, who has been living in exile in Malaysia, has received official permission for the visit.
Event organizers said,
“ড. জাকির নায়েক মুসলিম বিশ্বের একজন অনুপ্রেরণাদায়ক চিন্তাবিদ। তাঁর বক্তৃতা আমাদের সমাজে ইসলামি মূল্যবোধ জাগ্রত করবে।”
Translation: “Dr. Zakir Naik is an inspiring thinker in the Muslim world. His speech will help revive Islamic values in our society.”
Political and Diplomatic Storm Follows
The invitation has caused a major stir in both Bangladesh and India. Indian security experts and diplomats believe this is not just a religious event, but also a political signal.
They claim the move could strain Bangladesh-India relations, as Naik has been accused of spreading hate and division across several Indian states.
“নিজেই তৈরি করুন নিজের অনলাইন স্টোর — কোনো কোডিং জ্ঞান ছাড়াই!
Background: Naik’s Controversial Past
Zakir Naik became a controversial figure after the 2016 Holey Artisan Café attack in Dhaka, when his videos were reportedly found among the attackers.
Following that, the Indian government banned his organization, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), and both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed cases against him for money laundering, hate speech, and promoting terrorism.
He has since been living under political asylum in Malaysia.
Indian Concerns over Security Threat
According to Indian intelligence officials, Zakir Naik’s visit to Bangladesh is not merely for religious preaching, but an attempt to spread hatred against India.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has reportedly informed New Delhi, and diplomatic discussions on the matter are expected soon.
Reactions from Bangladesh’s Opposition
Bangladesh’s opposition political parties have also criticized the government’s decision.
A BNP leader, requesting anonymity, said,
“এই সরকারের আমলে বারবার চরমপন্থীদের প্রভাব বেড়েছে। এখন আবার জাকির নায়েককে এনে ইসলামের নামে বিভাজন ছড়ানোর চেষ্টা হচ্ছে।”
Translation: “Under this government, extremist influence has grown repeatedly. Now, by bringing Zakir Naik, they are trying to spread division in the name of Islam.”
Read more: Dr. Zakir Naik’s Possible Bangladesh Visit sparks India’s Strong Hopes for His Arrest
Analysts See Political Motives Behind the Invitation
Experts believe that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the new administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus might be using Islamic sentiment to gain stronger ground both domestically and internationally.
Analysts warn that this move could complicate Bangladesh’s diplomatic balance and increase internal religious polarization.
A political commentator noted,
“This visit will complicate Bangladesh’s diplomatic position. It risks both provoking India and reviving religious extremism inside the country.”
Human Rights Groups Express Fear
Human rights activists have expressed deep concern that Naik’s speeches could influence young people and fuel religious intolerance, especially during a period of political unrest and limited freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
Source: ATN News
