Never said terrorists were inspired by Zakir Naik: Bangladesh newspaper Daily Star

In a statement, the daily said: “The Daily Star categorically denies this allegation and wants to say it did not report that any terrorist was inspired by Zakir Naik to kill innocent people. The report said that one of the terrorists had propagated on Facebook last year quoting Peace TV’s preacher Zakir Naik urging all Muslims to be “terrorists”. In his video speech, Dr Naik himself said he has millions of followers in Bangladesh. Our report was an attempt to show how young minds were interpreting Dr Naik’s views in ways that were perhaps not intended for.”

WATCH VIDEO: Dhaka Attack: Zakir Naik Says He Did Not Influence Anyone

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However, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said its intelligence agencies were investigating the Islamic preacher.

“He is on our security scanner… Our intelligence agencies are investigating his activities as his lectures appeared provocative,” Khan hadsaid.

The Daily Star, however, said it stood corrected on its report claiming Naik was banned from entering Malaysia. Naik, in his video, said he was accorded with the country’s most prestigious award three years ago and that he was in Malaysia three months ago.

The controversy regarding Zakir Naik’s speeches had taken central position in India and Bangladesh after the Dhaka attacks that left over 20 dead. The Bangladeshi government on Sunday imposed a ban on Naik’s television channel PeaceTV.

In India, the government is investigating his speeches. The NIA is conducting its own investigation and in Mumbai, Naik’s hometown, the local police have launched a probe into his speeches, too. There’s police presence outside his office and residence.

The Mumbai-based televangelist is currently out of the country and will be holding a press conference on Tuesday after his return.