Highlights
- World-renowned Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik is reportedly scheduled to visit Dhaka on November 28 for a two-day charitable event.
- India has urged Bangladesh to arrest and hand him over, calling Naik a “wanted fugitive.”
- The visit is being organized by Spark Event Management, which plans multiple programs across Bangladesh.
- Naik has been living in exile in Malaysia since 2016 after facing charges in India for money laundering and hate speech.
- His ban in Bangladesh was reportedly lifted following political changes last year.
India Reacts to Zakir Naik’s Possible Visit to Bangladesh
Reports have emerged that Dr. Zakir Naik, one of the most influential Islamic scholars in the world, may visit Dhaka on November 28 for a two-day visit to attend a charitable event.
The news quickly drew attention in both Bangladesh and India, prompting an official reaction from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During a weekly press briefing on Thursday (October 30), MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about Dr. Naik’s potential visit. He responded by emphasizing India’s expectations:
“Zakir Naik is a wanted fugitive in India. We hope that whichever country he visits, that country will take into account our security concerns and take appropriate action against him.”
India Calls for Arrest and Extradition
According to reports published by India’s ANI and Times Now on Friday (October 31), the Indian government is hopeful that Bangladesh will arrest Dr. Naik and hand him over to Indian authorities if he enters the country.
The Indian government has long accused Naik of promoting communal hatred and money laundering, linking his speeches to radical influences. These allegations led to a ban on his Peace TV channel in 2016.
“He is wanted in India. Our expectation is that Bangladesh will consider our security interests seriously,” Jaiswal reiterated during the briefing.
Event Organizers Confirm Plans for Zakir Naik’s Bangladesh Tour
The arrangements for Zakir Naik’s visit are reportedly being handled by Spark Event Management, a Bangladesh-based organization.
On October 12, Spark’s proprietor Ali Raj confirmed to local media that plans were underway for the visit.
“As per our preliminary plan, Dr. Zakir Naik’s first program will be held in Dhaka on November 28 or 29. However, we also have plans to host programs outside Dhaka,” he stated.
This would mark Dr. Naik’s first visit to Bangladesh in nearly a decade, should it proceed as scheduled.
Why India Wants Zakir Naik Extradited?
Dr. Zakir Naik, founder of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Peace TV, left India in 2016 after the Indian government accused him of spreading religious hatred and funding extremist activities.
Following the July 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s then Sheikh Hasina government also banned his speeches and TV broadcasts, citing national security concerns.
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Naik has denied all allegations, claiming his work promotes interfaith understanding and peace.
He has since resided in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency, continuing to lecture globally on Islamic teachings.
Bangladesh’s Changing Political Context
After the fall of the previous government in 2024, reports suggest that restrictions on Zakir Naik were relaxed. This opened the possibility for his return to Bangladesh for religious or charitable purposes.
However, his upcoming visit could test diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, especially as India continues to seek his extradition.
India’s Diplomatic Pressure Mount
The Indian government has consistently maintained pressure on countries hosting or inviting Zakir Naik.
“নিজের ব্যবসার জন্য এখন নিজের ওয়েবসাইট — মাত্র কয়েক মিনিটে Storola দিয়ে!”
Previously, New Delhi had urged Malaysia to deport him, but the Malaysian authorities declined, citing lack of evidence and his legal residency status.
Now, with his proposed visit to Bangladesh, India is once again asserting its position that Zakir Naik is a wanted fugitive and should be brought to justice under Indian law.
The news of Zakir Naik’s possible arrival in Bangladesh has sparked mixed reactions among the public.
Supporters see it as a spiritual opportunity, while critics warn of potential diplomatic tension and security sensitivities.
Authorities in Dhaka have not yet issued an official statement regarding permission or security arrangements for the visit.
The potential visit of Dr. Zakir Naik to Bangladesh has become a diplomatic flashpoint between Dhaka and New Delhi. While organizers remain optimistic about hosting the globally recognized preacher, India’s firm stance on his extradition adds significant geopolitical complexity to the issue.
Whether Bangladesh will proceed with the event or respond to India’s request remains to be seen. The coming weeks could determine whether Zakir Naik’s long-awaited Dhaka appearance will materialize or be halted under regional diplomatic pressure.
