Singapore has cancelled the work permits of two Bangladeshi nationals and repatriated them following investigations into their extremist social media activity. The Internal Security Department (ISD) confirmed on July 17 that Tayani Md Risad, 25, and Islam Sahedul, 37, were sent back to Bangladesh on July 8. Both men had been employed in Singapore's construction sector.
Investigations revealed that the two individuals were engaged in separate online activities that authorities deemed harmful to the country's social fabric. Risad reportedly used his social media presence to express support for Shafiur Rahman Farabi, a radical Islamist writer in Bangladesh known for inciting violence against secular and atheist bloggers. Farabi is also allegedly linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir, a fundamentalist organization that is banned in Bangladesh.
Sahedul was found to have posted inflammatory content regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. Additionally, he shared divisive religious views, including labeling Muslims who do not support governance under Islamic law as infidels. While the ISD noted that there was no evidence suggesting the men intended to carry out terrorist attacks or were involved in militant activities within Singapore, their views were considered incompatible with the nation's multiracial and multi-religious society.
Authorities emphasized that these cases are not connected to previous investigations involving self-radicalized individuals handled under the Internal Security Act. Upon their arrival in Bangladesh, the men were detained by local authorities, who seized their mobile phones and passports for further investigation into potential militant links. The repatriation serves as a reminder of Singapore's strict stance on maintaining social harmony by addressing extremist rhetoric before it can escalate.