Singapore's ISD arrested 27 radicalised Bangladeshi nationals
(Photo by MHA)
The Internal Security Department arrested 27 radicalised Bangladeshi nationals who worked in Singapore’s construction industry between 16 November and 1 December last year.
According to a media release by the Ministry of Home Affairs, 26 of them were found to be part of a closed religious study group, which subscribes to extremist beliefs, and teachings of radical ideologies. All of their work passes have been cancelled and they have been repatriated back to Bangladesh. The authorities in their country have been informed of the reason for repatriation.
The remaining Bangladeshi national is not part of the group. However, he is currently serving a jail sentence for attempting to leave Singapore illegally after learning about the arrest of the other members. He will be repatriated back to Bangladesh after he has served his sentence.
MHA did not specify the length of time for his prison sentence.
(Photo by MHA)
Besides attempting to leave the country illegally, he was also found to be “in the process of being radicalised”, supported “extremist preachers” and “possessed jihadi-related material”.
Members of the closed religious group was found to be supportive of the jihad ideology similar to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. They organised weekly meetings to discuss armed jihad and conflicts involving Muslims, and have also targeted the recruitment of other Bangladeshi nationals to grow their membership.
Some of the members had thoughts of participating in armed jihad in the Middle East, and supported violent actions of extremists who kill Shiite Muslims, whom they consider as “deviant”.
The ISD also found that the members “bore grievances” against the Bangladeshi government for its actions against Islamic leaders and groups in their home country. Some of them were encouraged to return to Bangladesh to wage jihad against their government, and send monetary donations to extremist groups in Bangladesh.
MHA added that the Bangladeshis were not planning any terrorist attacks in Singapore.
(Photo by MHA)
ISD also recovered jihadi-related material like books and videos, including footages of children undergoing training in what looked like terrorist military camps. It also found a document containing graphic images and instructions on how to conduct “silent killings” using different methods and weapons.
(Photo by MHA: Extract from a Bengali softcopy document that was found in the possession of several of the radicalised Bangladeshi nationals. The document, which was saved under the English title “Techniques of Silent Killing”, depicts in a graphic manner how one can attack and kill with stealth.)
Minister in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said that he is “deeply concerned about the arrests”.
He said on Facebook, “I appeal that we be more vigilant, whether against radical teachings and ideologies, or of any suspicious activities around us. At the same time, I hope we will remain united and not resort to discriminating foreign workers here.”
News of the arrest came just a day after the Minister of Home Affairs K Shanmugam gave a speech about the threat of terrorism in the Southeast Asian region.
“Religion can be a force for good. Many of our modern societal values are derived from religious beliefs and values. How our societies are structured, laws, morals - indeed civilisation as a whole - owe a lot to religion. But, we have to note another facet about organised religions – the role they have played in encouraging intolerance, bigotry, the denial of another’s right to pray to a different God,” he said in his speech.
In response to the arrests, the Mufti from the Islamic Religious Authority of Singapore (MUIS) denounced extremist beliefs.
Mufti Mohammed Fatris Bakaram said, “The safety and peace of Singapore is of paramount interest to the Singapore Muslim community. We have a commendable tradition of living as inclusive and progressive Muslims within the context of Singapore’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious landscape.”
