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Zakir Naik can’t be branded a terrorist: IUML MP

The officials said that Naik’s past controversial statements on Taliban, his strong defence of religious codes, Osama bin Laden and ISIS do not result in any direct or indirect charges against him. I came to this conclusion after I had given a few interviews, most of which were unfortunately mutilated and misutilised to serve the vested agenda of the channel or the newspaper.

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“So far not a single official Indian government agency has contacted me for any clarification regarding this issue”, he said. So, I have categorically told on behalf of my party that he can not be branded as a terrorist because his activities are crystal clear and transparent, ‘ he said.

Experts said Zakir Naik could not be accused of openly inciting terror but his preaching were a heady mix of ingredients which could abet radicalisation of the extreme kinds.

“Media is the most important weapon in the world. He is therefore not expected in the country for another 2-3 weeks at least”, he added.

“Zakir Naik was never supposed to be physically present for the media briefing that was to take place on Tuesday. He had decided that he would address the media through Skype and answer all queries that media persons may have had”, he said.

The Bangladesh government banned the broadcasting of Naik’s channel Peace TV, following reports his speeches inspired some of the terrorists who carried out the vicious attack at a café in Dhaka recently.

The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) has condemned media trial of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, saying nobody could be pronounced guilty unless the court gives its judgment.

He said Naik is a well known specialist who has been delivering lectures on comparative studies of different religions.

Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik who has been at the centre of a controversy for his alleged inflammatory speeches will not and can not be arrested on his return to India. If he has been inspiring terrorists, why was no action taken against him from so long?

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A Dhaka report has said the Bangladesh government was investigating Naik and examining the possibilities of banning his “provocative” speeches in the wake of two attacks in the country within a week, in which 25 people were killed. We are tracking his movements and only if he speaks out of turn, can we “pin” him down on a charge.

Islamic preacher and'televangelist Zakir Naik is facing questions in India while Bangladesh has recently announced a ban on his Peace TV channel