Bangladeshis here denounce extremists, fear backlash

SINGAPORE — Bangladeshis working here have responded with dismay to the news that 27 of their countrymen had been arrested over their extremist plans, with some expressing concerns it would lead to backlash against the community and Muslims as a whole.

Mr Parbez Rahman, 44, a construction worker who has been working in Singapore for six years, said such radicalised individuals should not be allowed to stay.

“It’s not safe for our family, our country. It’s dangerous,” he said, adding that if he knew of such persons, he would inform the police. He said he hoped Singaporeans would not paint the whole Bangladeshi community with a negative brush over the arrests.

Added Mr Sushir Roy, 30, a construction worker: “We are just here to work, and we don’t want to cause trouble.

“It’s really painful,” he added. “We think all the time about how to grow our country, develop our country but some people want to destroy our country (using) the name of Islam ... It’s really very big scandal for Bangladesh workers and we are ashamed of this.”

Mr M H Masud, 24, a worker from Bangladesh who has been in Singapore for three years, said: “I never expect this to happen ... I feel ashamed as a Bangladeshi and a Muslim ... The Muslim writings (do not) say to fight, to kill.”

Today (Jan 20), the Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that 27 Bangladeshi construction workers had been arrested here under the Internal Security Act, after they were found to be contemplating armed jihad overseas, including in their homeland.

Most of the Bangladeshis TODAY interviewed were unaware of the news when approached. Asked whether he was worried whether the arrest would affect how Bangladeshis would be perceived here, Mr Suttar Dewan, 30, a construction worker who has been in Singapore for seven years, said: “I don’t need (to be) scared. I did not do anything wrong.” He added that he felt Singapore was safe and he was not worried for his safety.

Mr Raja V, 38, a driver who has worked here for 18 years, agreed. “Safety (here) is very good. Government security (is) good,” he said.

Mr Vasudevan S, 29, a shop assistant who has worked for more than four years, added: “I cannot believe this kind thing happen here ... Good (thing) they (are no longer) here or else like (it would not be) safe.” AMANDA LEE, NOOR ASYRAF KAMIL, FRANCIS LAW, TOH EE MING