The arrest of 27 Bangladeshi nationals in Singapore with terror links is alarming ("27 radicalised Bangladeshis held under ISA"; Jan 21).

By any measure, this is not a small number. With our country being a global city, and with an open immigration policy and an advanced connectivity infrastructure, these are ideal conditions for any global network to thrive, even those related to evil and terror.

With this discovery, I cannot help but feel that this is only the tip of the iceberg.

It is a timely reminder to Singaporeans that we should be vigilant against this threat, which, if not prevented, will definitely upend our lives in the flash of a moment.

For the sake of our children, we have to proactively work together as one people to protect what we have built and take pride in.

Do not be misled that terrorist activities are only about religion. The hard truth is that religion is being used as a cover by powerful groups of people who are evil and bent on destroying peace.

We have a right and duty to fight the growing tide of terrorism, to protect and preserve the peace of our nation.

Albert Sim Kian Siang