Bangladesh Approves Zakir Naik Tour, Marking Sharp Shift in Policy Since 2016 Attack

In a dramatic departure from earlier security policies, Bangladesh’s interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has officially approved a month-long nationwide tour for controversial preacher Zakir Naik, a fugitive wanted in India on terror-linked charges. The move marks Naik’s first-ever visit to Bangladesh and a significant shift from the stance taken under the Sheikh Hasina administration.

Event organizers confirmed that Naik’s speaking tour — set for November 28 to December 20, 2025 — has been cleared at the highest level of the government and will include a series of religious sermons delivered across multiple cities. Senior officials are reportedly directly facilitating the arrangements, signaling a warm welcome for the preacher.

From Banned Preacher to State-Approved Guest

Naik and his channel Peace TV were banned in Bangladesh following the 2016 Dhaka Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack, after one of the attackers claimed to have been radicalized under Naik’s influence via online platforms. Within hours of the attack, Naik fled India.

Since then, he has remained a fugitive facing accusations of:

• Hate speech

• Encouraging extremist sentiments

• Violating India’s anti-terror laws

India’s NIA registered a case against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, while India continues to seek his extradition from Malaysia — requests that remain unfulfilled.

Previous Pakistan Visit Raises Alarms

This development follows Pakistan’s own decision to host Naik last year for a full-scale tour. During that visit, he was spotted interacting with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, including individuals designated as international terrorists by the United States in 2008:

• Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi

• Muhammad Harris Dhar

• Faisal Nadeem

Footage verified by India Today documented Naik embracing senior LeT members at Lahore’s historic Badshahi Mosque, where he delivered a sermon to over 150,000 attendees, under heavy police protection.

India Watching Closely

The Yunus administration’s decision highlights a growing strategic realignment in Dhaka, raising concerns in New Delhi regarding:

• Security cooperation

• Counter-terror strategy

• Influence of Pakistan and radical groups

Analysts suggest it may reflect the interim government’s attempt to reshape regional alliances following domestic political upheaval in Bangladesh.

As the tour approaches, Indian officials and global counter-terror agencies are expected to monitor developments closely, given Naik’s history and the shifting geopolitical context.