Zakir Naik likely to visit Bangladesh amid India's concern

Prominent Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is likely to visit Bangladesh in late November, a development that has drawn attention from India, where he faces charges of money laundering and hate speech.

The Special Branch (SB) of police has granted permission for Naik's gatherings in Dhaka and Pirojpur, according to sources familiar with the matter. This marks a historic moment for his followers, as it would be his first visit to the country. 

However, the SB has declined permission for proposed gatherings in Chattogram (citing empathisers of Sufism) and Sylhet (due to its proximity to the Indian border).

The police noted that the areas of Dhaka and Pirojpur have fewer "empathisers of shrine and Sufism," which holds theological contention with the preacher's viewpoints.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has formally expressed concern over Naik's proposed visit to Bangladesh. "Zakir Naik is a fugitive wanted in India. We hope that wherever he goes, the country concerned will take appropriate action and consider our security concerns," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on 30 October.

In response, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged India's remarks. "We have taken note of the statement made by the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India," said ministry spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam. 

In a pointed remark apparently referencing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's asylum in India, Alam added, "No country, including India, should provide shelter to any accused or fugitive individuals from another country."

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain told reporters in Dhaka yesterday that any visit by Naik would require approval from both the home and foreign ministries. "I have no authority in this matter," he said after meeting representatives of two Tabligh Jamaat factions. "If the relevant ministries issue the permit, he can come."

The preacher's potential visit follows the relaxation of a ban previously imposed by the former Awami League government after the 2016 Holey Artisan attack, where militants were reportedly influenced by his speeches.

Visit details and conflicting reports

According to Immigration Police sources, Naik, the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV, is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 26 November. He is expected to join an indoor Islamic programme in Dhaka on the following day, most likely at a convention centre in Agargaon.

On 28 November, he is then scheduled to travel to Pirojpur for an outdoor event, possibly at the Pirojpur Government High School field. The organiser, Spark Event Management, has stated that the event is taking place with the permission of the Bangladesh government and the cooperation of law enforcement agencies.

However, key officials have offered conflicting statements, creating uncertainty around the visit.

Masood Sayeedi, son of Delwar Hossain Sayeedi and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for MP from Pirojpur-1, has denied inviting Naik or having concrete evidence of an event taking place in Pirojpur.

"I haven't invited him, and he doesn't know me. Right now I'm busy with electoral campaigns, So, I have no concrete evidence whether he is coming to Pirojpur or not," he told TBS.

Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), stated that the DMP has not been officially informed about the tour, and no final decision or venue permission has been issued for Dhaka.

An official from the Police Headquarters confirmed that they have yet to issue any official permission, citing ongoing security considerations.

However, a police officer from the Special Branch, wishing anonymity, told this newspaper that the government would not oppose his coming to Dhaka. "He roams around the globe. If he [Naik] comes to Dhaka, we don't see any issues here."

The police officer further said, "He may have a different opinion in his birthplace, India. That is why India is opposing his tour to Dhaka. We have many fugitives already located in India.

"After several requests, India did not deport those accused individuals. So we see him as a guest and Bangladesh welcomes guests from across the globe."

Mohammad Ashraful Alam Khan, deputy commissioner of Pirojpur, refused to make any comment.

Meanwhile, there is no notification or official announcement that has been made on Naik's Facebook page, website and social media accounts.

Naik left India in 2016

Naik, 60, the Indian-born Islamic preacher and orator, is known for his lectures on comparative religion. He left India in 2016 after being accused of money laundering and promoting hate speech. 

His television network, Peace TV, was banned the same year. Naik has since obtained permanent residency in Malaysia and claims he will not return to India "until justice is assured."