Pakistani Islamic scholar linked to Nepal violence plans Bangladesh visit

Pakistani Islamic scholar Muhammad Ilyas Ghuman, whose movements reportedly came under scrutiny by intelligence agencies following sectarian violence in Nepal, is being promoted as a speaker at two religious events in Bangladesh in November.

According to circulated event announcements, Ghuman is scheduled to speak at religious gatherings in Rajshahi on 6 November and Naogaon on 7 November.

The announced programme says he is expected to attend the eighth annual Waz Mahfil organised by Jamia Islamia Jamiria Darul Quran in Mianpur, Rajshahi, on 6 November.

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Named in Nepal unrest probe, Pakistani cleric plans fresh Bangladesh tour

The following day, he is listed as the chief speaker on the opening day of a two-day Islamic conference in Porsha, Naogaon. The event is being organised by the Islamic Conference Organisation, Porsha.

Ghuman's visit to Bangladesh is not unprecedented. In the past, Al-Markazul Islami was responsible for arranging and overseeing his visits to the country.

According to Wireast, Indian and Nepali media reports published in August said Nepal's intelligence agencies were examining Ghuman's visits and meetings following violence in Sunsari district on 26 July.

The reports placed his movements under scrutiny in the aftermath of the violence. However, the circulated announcements of his upcoming Bangladesh engagements do not provide further details about the purpose or arrangements of his visit.