MEA warns Dhaka on Naik

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday commented on reports of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s planned visit to Bangladesh, urging Dhaka to take appropriate action against him.

The ministry described Naik as a fugitive wanted by India and expressed hope that Bangladesh would act in accordance with international norms when he arrives.

Naik, who is currently based in Malaysia, is reportedly scheduled to visit Bangladesh from November 28 to 29 to participate in a charity event. This visit comes nine years after the Sheikh Hasina Government had vowed that Naik would “never get access to Bangladesh.” The radical preacher was banned from entering the country following revelations that at least two of the terrorists involved in the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack in Dhaka were inspired by him. In the aftermath of that attack, Bangladesh also banned his television network, Peace TV, citing its role in promoting extremist ideologies.