Zakir Naik was formally charged by the NIA

The Dhaka Times Desk Zakir Naik was formally charged by the NIA. On July 1, 2016, Zakir Naik was charged with inciting terrorist activities after the terrorist attack on Holy Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, Dhaka.

It is said that the two militants involved in the attack were inspired by Zakir's speech. The Indian National Investigation Agency started an investigation against Zakir Naik after the matter came to light.

Based on the statements of 151 witnesses and under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the NIA filed a complaint against Zakir Naik and his banned organizations Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Harmony Media Private Limited.

"Zakir Naik deliberately and maliciously insulted Hindus, Christians and non-Wahhabi Muslims," the complaint said. He has deliberately done this to hurt the religious sentiments of Shias, Sufis and Barelvids in particular.'

The central government of India banned Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for 5 years on November 18 last year on charges of money laundering and money laundering, including those involved in militancy and terrorist activities. Zakir's NGO was banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. After that Zakir Naik went abroad from India.

In April this year, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against Zakir Naik after he appeared before the investigating officers of the country's Enforcement Directorate (ED). A special NIA court in Mumbai issued an arrest warrant against Zakir Naik under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In July this year, Zakir Naik's international passport was canceled by the Ministry of External Affairs of India. The decision was taken after he failed to appear before the investigating officers despite being summoned several times by the NIA on charges of terror financing. Along with that, Zakir Naik's Peace TV was also stopped from airing.