Australia has cancelled the visa of Bangladeshi Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari amid allegations of extremist and hate-filled remarks, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
The report states that Azhari’s visa was revoked during his ongoing tour of Australia, and he is now set to be deported back to Bangladesh. He had been invited to speak at a religious lecture series titled “Legacy of Faith,” with scheduled events in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.
Concerns were raised over Azhari’s past statements, including alleged praise of Adolf Hitler and remarks described as anti-Semitic and conspiratorial. According to the report, he had previously made controversial claims about Jewish communities, which drew criticism from rights groups and observers.
Australian Liberal Senator Jonathan Duniam said that several organizations had warned the government before Azhari’s arrival. He criticized authorities for granting him a visa despite what he described as a record of “extremist rhetoric.”
One such group, the Australian Federation for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh, reportedly wrote to the Home Affairs Minister earlier this week, urging immediate intervention. The group warned that Azhari’s presence could heighten religious tensions and legitimize extremist narratives.
Azhari began his tour in Brisbane earlier this week, but the remaining events have now been effectively cancelled following the visa decision. Event organizers, Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle, have not issued any public comment.
The incident has sparked broader debate over immigration screening, freedom of speech, and the limits of religious expression in multicultural societies like Australia.
