Singapore Revokes Work Permits of Two Bangladeshi Nationals Over Extremist Social Media Posts

Singapore, Singapore Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The work permits of two Bangladeshi workers in Singapore were cancelled after they made extremist postings on social media and were investigated by the Internal Security Department (ISD) in July. The decision to revoke their work permits underscores Singapore's ongoing vigilance against radicalization and extremist ideologies, particularly given the country's unique demographic composition and its emphasis on maintaining social harmony.

On July 17, ISD informed that Tayani Md Risad, 25, and Islam Sahedul, 37, have been repatriated to Bangladesh. This action is part of Singapore's broader strategy to monitor and address potential threats to national security, particularly those that may arise from foreign workers who may inadvertently or intentionally promote divisive ideologies.

An ISD spokeswoman stated that the pair were separately investigated for their extremist postings, which were deemed harmful to Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society. The implications of such postings are significant in a country where racial and religious harmony is not only a social norm but also a cornerstone of national policy.

In his posts, Risad expressed support for Bangladeshi radical Islamist writer Shafiur Rahman Farabi, who has incited violence against secular and atheist bloggers. Farabi is also allegedly linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir, a fundamentalist Islamist group banned by the Bangladeshi government. His association with such extremist figures raises concerns about the potential for radicalization among individuals who may be exposed to similar ideologies, especially in a globalized world where social media can amplify extremist narratives.

As for Sahedul, ISD reported that he made inflammatory posts regarding the Israel-Iran conflict and referred to Muslims who do not wish to be governed under Islamic law as infidels. This rhetoric not only reflects a radical viewpoint but also serves to further polarize communities, which can be particularly dangerous in a multicultural society like Singapore. The government has consistently emphasized that such divisive views threaten the social fabric of the nation.

The duo are not connected to any previous cases announced by the ISD concerning self-radicalised individuals dealt with under the Internal Security Act. This distinction is important as it highlights that while their actions were concerning, they did not appear to be part of a larger, organized network of radicalization that has been identified in previous cases.

The ISD's investigations did not find any indication that the men intended to conduct terrorist attacks or were involved in terrorism activities in Singapore. However, their extremist and divisive views are considered harmful to Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society. The government’s approach emphasizes prevention over reaction, aiming to mitigate any potential threats before they can manifest into violent actions.

It remains unclear what jobs the pair held in Singapore, but the nature of their employment underscores the complexities of managing a foreign workforce that consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Singapore relies heavily on foreign labor, particularly in sectors like construction and services, which raises questions about how to ensure that these workers are not susceptible to radicalization.

Upon their return to Bangladesh, news outlets reported that they were detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on July 8, with authorities seizing three phones and three passports from them. The seizure of these items suggests that authorities are taking a thorough approach to investigate any potential networks or connections that may extend beyond Singapore.

On July 9, the duo was brought to court in Dhaka as authorities sought to have them remanded further. Bangladesh police indicated that the men admitted to involvement with militant groups while in Singapore, necessitating additional time for interrogation regarding their links, networks, and funding sources. This admission raises concerns about the extent of radicalization among Bangladeshi nationals working abroad and the potential implications for national security in Bangladesh.

During the court hearing, Risad mentioned he was detained in Singapore due to Facebook posts made in 2023, which discussed another radical Islamist group, Hefazat-e-Islam, and their leader. The reference to Hefazat-e-Islam highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Bangladeshi government in combating radicalization and the influence of extremist ideologies that persist even among its citizens living abroad.

While granting the remand application, the judge questioned the men about their involvement in such groups, referring to them as “remittance warriors,” a term used for those who leave their countries for labor jobs overseas to send money back home. This term reflects a broader socioeconomic context in which many Bangladeshi nationals seek employment in foreign countries to support their families, often exposing them to diverse ideologies and influences.

In 2020, a Bangladeshi construction worker was arrested in Singapore for radicalization and intent to commit acts of armed violence. He had been working in Singapore since 2017 and became radicalized after encountering pro-Islamic State materials online. This case serves as a reminder of the potential vulnerabilities that foreign workers may face and the need for proactive measures to counter radicalization.

In 2016, ISD detained eight radicalized Bangladeshi nationals employed in local construction and marine industries, who had planned to recruit others and raise funds for terror attacks in Bangladesh. The recurrence of such incidents highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and intervention efforts by the ISD and other relevant authorities.

Anyone who suspects that a person has been radicalized is encouraged to contact the ISD hotline. This call to action underscores the collective responsibility of society in identifying and addressing signs of radicalization, ensuring that Singapore remains a safe and harmonious environment for all its residents.