Fri Sep 20 12:19:44 UTC 2024: ## Singapore News Roundup: S Alam Group Scrutiny, Human Rights Defenders Convicted, and More

**Singapore’s Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) has requested asset information on the S Alam Group, a Bangladeshi conglomerate facing financial misconduct allegations.** The request signals growing international scrutiny of the group, which has amassed a business empire valued at approximately S$700 million in Singapore.

**In Bangladesh, human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan were convicted by the Dhaka Cyber Tribunal to two years imprisonment and fined.** The two, known for their work with Odhikar, have faced persistent harassment since revealing extrajudicial killings in 2013. FORUM-ASIA has called for their immediate release and urged Bangladesh to respect human rights.

**Other Singapore news highlights include:**

* **Minister K Shanmugam transferred Astrid Hill GCB to UBS Trustees for S$88 Million following Ridout Road controversy.**
* **Dr Tan Cheng Bock questions S$335 million Founders’ Memorial cost, citing Lee Kuan Yew’s stance.**
* **A Singapore woman’s suicide amidst a legal battle raises concerns over the legal system.**
* **Minister Shanmugam rejects request for detailed information on visa-free visitor offences, citing bilateral considerations.**
* **Lee Hsien Loong warns of limited political space if election margins narrow.**
* **PAP MPs attack WP Gerald Giam in Parliament over NTUC independence from the ruling party.**
* **11 former or current PAP MPs & Ministers underscore heavy presence in NTUC leadership.**
* **Leong Mun Wai questions why NTUC leaders often come from the ruling party.**

These developments reflect the ongoing concerns about transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Singapore and the wider region.

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