Singapore authorities investigating Bangladeshi national for preaching illegal sermon at Tuas dormitory
Singapore/IBNS: Singapore authorities are investigating a Bangladeshi national believed to have alleged terror links, who has now entered the country's territory and preached to migrant workers at Tuas Dormitory here on Aug 9 without a permit, media reports said.
Amir Hamza had previously been arrested by the Bangladeshi government for alleged terror links.
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Wednesday said it is investigating the preacher, Amir Hamza, and others involved in the event, including the organiser.
It said strong action will be taken if they are found to have breached Singapore’s laws or posed a security concern.
Possible action includes deportation, prosecution or detention under the Internal Security Act, the ministry said.
"Amir Hamza’s sermon propagated extremist and segregationist teachings that were dangerous, and detrimental to Singapore’s communal harmony,” it added in a statement.
Singapore's MHA said the Internal Security Department (ISD) was aware of Amir Hamza and his background, but that the Bangladeshi had used a passport that bore a different name from that in its databases to enter Singapore on Aug 9.
It also did not have his biometrics at the time of his entry.
Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam told reporters on Wednesday that from all appearances, the passport looked to be validly issued but with a different name, and Amir Hamza “slipped through because of this passport issue”.