Bangladesh probes ‘peace schools’ after ban on Zakir Naik’s TV channel

Though the government does not have any specific data on how many schools are being operated with the word ‘peace’ in their names, an official said 28 schools in Bangladesh have ‘peace’ in their names.

Bangladesh launched a probe on Wednesday on schools bearing the name ‘Peace’, suspecting them to be linked with controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s ‘Peace TV’ which was banned this week over allegations of inspiring terrorists.

Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik is facing flak for allegedly inspiring two of the four terrorists involved in the attack on the Holey Artisan Café in Dhaka. (HT File Photo)

Though the government does not have any specific data on how many schools are being operated with the word ‘peace’ in their names, an official said 28 schools in Bangladesh have ‘peace’ in their names.

The schools are allegedly being operated in line with Naik’s ideals by adding ‘peace’ to their names, bdnews24.com reported.

The government is now inquiring into the activities of the so-called ‘peace schools’, the report said.

Intelligence agencies had been asked to inquire into the 20 such schools spotted by the ministry in Dhaka.

“If these schools actually follow Zakir Naik’s ideals, they will face action,” an official said.

Bangladesh has banned Naik’s channel following reports that his “provocative” speeches inspired some of the militants who carried out the country’s worst terror attack at a cafe in Dhaka.

“We are inquiring (about such schools),” education minister Nurul Islam Nahid said.

Dhaka education board Chairman Mahbubur Rahman also said the board would check on the nature of such schools.