The Internal Security Department (ISD) of Singapore revoked the work permits of two Bangladeshi nationals, Tayani Md Risad, 25, and Islam Sahedul, 37, after investigating their extremist social media posts, according to an ISD spokeswoman. Both men were repatriated to Bangladesh by July 17, with investigations finding no evidence they planned terrorist activities in Singapore but noting their views conflicted with the country’s multiracial values.
Risad, whose posts supported Bangladeshi radical Islamist writer Shafiur Rahman Farabi—linked to the banned group Hizb ut-Tahrir—expressed support for Farabi’s incitement against secular and atheist bloggers. Sahedul faced scrutiny for inflammatory remarks on the Israel-Iran conflict and derogatory comments about Muslims who reject Islamic law, labeling them “infidels.” The ISD clarified the pair were not connected to prior cases of self-radicalized individuals under the Internal Security Act.
Context of Radicalization in Singapore’s Migrant Workforce
Bangladesh news outlets reported the men were detained at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on July 8, with authorities seizing three phones and passports. During a court hearing on July 9, Bangladesh police alleged the men admitted ties to militant groups while in Singapore, citing the need for further interrogation. Risad claimed his 2023 Facebook posts focused on the Bangladeshi group Hefazat-e-Islam, which the judge questioned during the remand hearing.
Singapore has previously addressed radicalization among Bangladeshi workers. In 2020, a construction worker was arrested for planning armed attacks after encountering ISIS materials. In 2016, eight Bangladeshi nationals were detained for ties to the Islamic State in Bangladesh, with five others deported for possessing jihadi materials. A 2015 case saw 27 Bangladeshis arrested for forming a jihadist cell in the construction industry.
What May Happen Next
The Bangladesh court’s decision to remand the men suggests further scrutiny of their alleged links to militant groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the two Bangladeshi workers accused of? They were investigated for extremist social media posts, including support for radical groups and inflammatory remarks about religious and political issues.
Did the ISD find evidence of terrorist plans? No, the ISD stated there was no indication the men intended to conduct terrorist attacks in Singapore.
How does this case compare to past incidents? Similar cases in 2015, 2016, and 2020 involved Bangladeshi workers linked to jihadist groups, with some deported after radicalization concerns.
What steps might authorities take next in this case?
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