Bangladesh’s interim government has barred controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from entering the country, citing security and pre-election concerns. The decision, made Tuesday at a meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, reverses an earlier approval for Naik’s visit later this month.
Naik, an Indian-born televangelist wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency, has long peddled agitation and extremist rhetoric that breeds division and intolerance. He hides behind fast talk and sophistry, rarely taking responsibility for the damage his words have caused.
The interim government deserves credit for recognizing the risks and taking a firm stand. In a volatile time, barring Naik was not only prudent but necessary. Authorities should go further and impose a permanent ban on a figure whose brand of extremism has no place in a country striving for stability and peace.