12 July,2016 12:50 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
In the aftermath of the Dhaka attack, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a closer look at the significant developments related to him
In the aftermath of the Dhaka attack, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here's a closer look at the significant developments related to him in recent times.
Zakir Naik was questioned over 11/7: This is not the first time Naik is under the scanner for his connection with terrorist acts. Banned in several countries for his controversial speeches, Naik was called by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in 2006 for questioning, after the 11/7 train blasts. "While investigating the case, we had come across a suspect who had been working in his office in Dongri. Naik and the suspect were questioned in that connection but they were allowed to go for lack of any solid proof against them," said former ATS chief KP Raghuvanshi, who probed the 11/7 blasts. Naik was called to the ATS' Byculla office a few weeks after the blast. Post 11/7, Mumbai Police had banned Naik from conducting any speech in public after the contents of his previous speeches were found to be inflammatory.
Areeb Majeed
He also inspired ISIS aspirant Kalyan youth: Mid-day has found that his lectures had also inspired Kalyan youth Areeb Majeed, an alleged ISIS foot soldier. After 24-year-old Areeb was arrested while allegedly sneaking into India in November 2014, he in his statement (a copy is with mid-day) recorded before the NIA, had stated, "I got inspired to study more about my religion from the lectures of Dr Zakir Naik of IRF (Islamic Research Foundation based in Dongri) which I used to listen to on my mobile." There is a strong possibility that the other Kalyan youths were also inspired by Naik's hate speeches. The association of Areeb with Naik had not been probed then by NIA or Maharashtra ATS.
Bangladesh asks India to examine Naik's speeches: Days after the Dhaka attack, Bangladesh asked India to examine speeches of Naik after reports that his 'hate speech' inspired one of the five Bangladeshi militants, who hacked to death 22 people at an upscale cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave last week. One of the Bangladeshi attackers, suspected to be Rohan Imtiaz - the son of a politician of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League - ran a propaganda on Facebook last year quoting 50-year-old Naik, a Mumbai-based doctor and an Islamic televangelist, Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported. Naik, in his lecture aired on Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, had reportedly "urged all Muslims to be terrorists".
'Zakir Naik's speeches highly objectionable': Calling Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's speeches "highly objectionable," the government said the Home Ministry will take appropriate action after studying them. The Home Ministry will study (his speeches). It will take appropriate action after studying them. His speeches, as being reported in the media, are highly objectionable," Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said. Naidu's remarks came a day after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju hinted at action against the preacher. "Zakir Naik's speech is a matter of concern for us. Our agencies are working on this. But as a minister, I will not comment what action will be taken," he had said.
Peace TV goes off air in Bangladesh: Naik's Peace TV went off the air in Bangladesh on Monday after authorities cancelled its broadcast rights. The information ministry issued the order on Monday, a day after the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order decided to end its broadcast, bdnews24 reported. The decision followed allegations that the Indian preacher's speeches, sermons and interpretation of Islamic issues were "inspiring acts of terrorism" and radicalising youths.
Digvijaya Singh
When Digvijaya Singh lauded Naik: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, faced flak for having dubbed Naik a "messenger of peace" in 2012. An online video surfaced showing him at an event sharing the stage and a hug with Naik, and at a conference in 2012 where he called the Islamic preacher a "messenger of peace." "I have heard many times the name of Zakir Naik. I am happy to hear that he (Naik) is spreading message of peace all over the world," Singh said, praising the scholar in the controversial video. The video was broadcast on Peace TV, is run by Naik.
Naik not to return for 2-3 weeks, to fly to Africa: Naik, who was expected back in India from Saudi Arabia, is unlikely to return to the country for another two to three weeks as he is planning to visit some African countries for public speeches. Naik also cancelled his press conference planned through skype for tomorrow on the allegations of inspiring militants through his speeches, an aide of the preacher said. "Dr Zakir Naik was never supposed to be physically present for the media briefing that was to take place on Tuesday, July 12. He had decided that he will address the media through Skype and answer all queries that media persons may have had," he said.
