Indian-based Islamic scholar and preacher Dr Zakir Naik said on Monday he never supported terrorism, saying no Indian official had contacted him for a clarification on the issue.
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.
India’s Maharashtra state chief minister also ordered a probe against the preacher for his ‘hate speech’ inspiring the attack.
In a statement, Naik expressed shock at the media trial against him and growing calls for a ban on his television channel.
“I do not support terrorism or violence in any form whatsoever. I have never supported any terrorist organisations and have mentioned this over and over again in thousands of my public talks worldwide,” he said.
“I strongly condemn anyone taking my statements out of context and using it for violence of any form.”
He added, “So far not a single official Indian government agency has contacted me for any clarification regarding this issue.”
Naik said most of his clips shown on the television were either out of context, half statements or doctored.
“So were my statements in the print media,” he said.
“Media is the most important weapon in the world. It can convert a hero into villain or even a villain into a hero.”
The schjolar said he will respond to the allegations against him on TV, as well as on social media.
