Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information on Monday issued a circular cancelling the downlink permission to the controversial Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik’s Peace TV.
The government decision follows wide allegations that the speeches, sermons and explanation of Islam by Dr. Naik were “inspiring acts of terrorism” and radicalising youths. At least two young militants who killed 22 people in the Holey Artisan Bakery early this month were said to have been his followers.
“Based on the Cabinet committee’s decision, free-to-air TV channel Peace TV’s downlink permission has been cancelled for violating downlink conditions,” reads the government order.
The circular also asked relevant authorities to stop the broadcast of the channel across the country. “Peace TV is not consistent with Muslim society, the Quran, Sunnah, Hadith, Bangladesh’s Constitution, our culture, customs and rituals,” said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu. Dr. Naik is the founder-president of the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, which owns the channel.
U.S. pledges support
Meanwhile, visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal on Monday assured Washington’s support for Bangladesh in combating terrorism.
