Bangladesh’s interim government will host controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for a month-long visit from November 28 to December 20, 2025. This marks a significant policy reversal, as the preacher was banned from entering the country nine years ago following the deadly 2016 Dhaka terror attack. The Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led administration has approved a nationwide tour for Naik, who is expected to deliver a series of sermons across Bangladesh. ^[1][2][3] ### Dhaka Attack Ban Explained The previous government, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, banned Zakir Naik and his Peace TV channel in July 2016. ^[1][2][4][5]This decision came after investigations into the Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack in Dhaka revealed that at least two of the attackers were reportedly inspired by Naik’s sermons on YouTube. Th^{[6][1][2][3][7][8][4]}e attack, which targeted a cafe, resulted in the deaths of over 20 people. Ba^[1][2]ngladeshi Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu stated at the time that Naik’s speeches "appeared provocative" and provoked militancy. Peac^[5]e TV, founded by Naik, is also banned in several other countries, including India, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, under hate speech laws. Nai^[9][8]k, an Indian national, fled India in 2016 shortly after his name surfaced during the Dhaka attack investigations. He f^{[1][2][3][7][8][4]}aces multiple charges in India, including hate speech, inciting communal disharmony, terror financing, and money laundering. The ^{[6][1][2][3][9][8][4]}National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India filed a case against him under anti-terror laws and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Desp^[1][3][4]ite repeated requests from India for his extradition, Naik has remained in Malaysia, where he holds permanent resident status. Mala^{[6][3][10][9][7][4]}ysian courts have not approved his extradition, stating that the justification provided by India does not merit it. ###^[6][3] A Notable Policy Shift The upcoming visit marks Naik’s first official engagement in Bangladesh. Event ^[2][3][7][4]organizers have confirmed that the month-long tour, scheduled from November 28 to December 20, 2025, has received official government approval and facilitation. This d^[3][7][4]ecision by the interim government represents a stark contrast to the stance of the former Sheikh Hasina administration, which had vowed that Naik would "never get access to Bangladesh". This ^[6][1][2][4]policy shift in Bangladesh follows a similar reception for Naik in Pakistan less than a year ago. During^{[1][2][3][7][8][4]} his visit to Pakistan, he received a "red carpet welcome" and met with senior government officials. Report^{[1][3][11][4]}s indicated that he was also seen meeting members of the banned terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including commanders designated as international terrorists by the United States. He rep^[1][3][8][4]ortedly addressed a large gathering of over 150,000 people in Lahore. ### C^[3]oncerns and Future Outlook Naik, known for his hardline speeches and controversial remarks, has been accused of promoting communal disharmony through his various platforms. His pa^[1][2][12]st statements include controversial comments on terrorism, which he later claimed were taken out of context. Critic^[9][8]s argue that his ideology has influenced individuals towards extremist views. Analy^[13][12]sts are closely watching this development, viewing Naik’s visit as potentially contributing to a "broader trend of growing radical influence" in Bangladesh, especially after the recent change in government. There ar^[2][8]e concerns that his presence could embolden local extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). These gr^[2][8]oups are designated terrorist organizations. The move has sparked debate regarding its implications for Bangladesh's internal stability and its relations with neighboring countries, particularly India, which continues to seek Naik's arrest and extradition. The int^{[2][3][7][8][4]}erim government has not yet provided a detailed justification for reversing the nine-year ban. The month-long tour is expected to draw significant attention both domestically and internationally.