Australian authorities have cancelled the visa of Bangladeshi preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari and moved to deport him midway through a nationwide speaking tour after controversy over remarks in which he allegedly praised Adolf Hitler and made inflammatory comments about Jewish people, reports Daily Mail.
The decision follows scrutiny of Azhari’s past speeches, including a 2023 sermon in the United States where he reportedly promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, described Jews in derogatory terms and urged audiences to sever ties with them.
His remarks, including references linking Hitler to “divine punishment”, triggered strong criticism.
Azhari, who has a large online following and regularly speaks across Asia, the Middle East and Western diaspora communities, had travelled to Australia for his ‘Legacy of Faith’ tour. The programme included scheduled events in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra over Easter.
Authorities cancelled his visa on Tuesday, and he is now awaiting deportation.
Australian australian lawmakers said community organisations had raised concerns ahead of his arrival.
According to a report in Daily Mail, Liberal Senator Jonathan Duniam told the Senate that several groups, including the Australian Federation for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh, had warned the government about Azhari’s record.
Duniam criticised the decision to allow his entry despite what he described as a documented pattern of hate speech. He said the allegations extend beyond antisemitism to include anti-Hindu remarks and criticism of Bengali culture.
Azhari has also faced restrictions elsewhere. UK revoked his entry in 2021 over concerns related to hate speech. In Bangladesh, authorities have previously restricted his public preaching and monitored his activities over allegations of extremist rhetoric and threats to public order.
Community groups in Australia urged swift action, warning that his speeches could inflame religious tensions and legitimise extremist views.
The deportation has effectively disrupted his tour schedule, with planned events across major cities now unlikely to proceed. The episode underscores increasing scrutiny in Western countries over visiting speakers accused of promoting divisive or extremist narratives.
