Proposed visit of Zakir Naik: Govt to proceed with caution

The government will exercise caution regarding the proposed visit of Indian Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order, held at the Secretariat yesterday, with Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in the chair.

About Naik's visit, the meeting instructed the authorities concerned to engage with the organisers to understand their intentions, said sources at the Chief Adviser's Office and the home ministry.

The meeting also observed that hosting such a figure before the polls should be reconsidered.

Spark Events, an event management company, has announced plans to bring Zakir Naik to Bangladesh for a lecture series later this month.

Shahadat Hawlader, manager of the company, told The Daily Star that they will soon announce details of the tour.

A senior official of the Special Branch of police, requesting anonymity, told The Daily Star they had not yet received any instruction regarding his visit.

The meeting also discussed training for the armed forces members deployed in the field.

A source present at the meeting said, "Members of the armed forces have been deployed nationwide since before the August 5 mass uprising, with officers later given magistracy powers."

"Amid this situation, the meeting discussed the need for training for the armed forces members. However, the Armed Forces Division will decide how and when such training will be provided."

Several other issues were also discussed at the meeting.

After the meeting, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam briefed reporters at the secretariat. He said the meeting focused on preparations for ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

Responding to a question about possible police bias, Jahangir Alam said, "The election must be free, fair, credible, and festive. If any police member is found favouring a particular candidate or party, they will immediately be brought under the law."

He also said officials who were involved in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections would be reviewed before deployment this time.