Sohel Taj stays on after ‘talk’ with PM

Reported resignation issue of State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj has become the talk of the town which prompted a huge gathering in front of his official residence in capital’s Baily Road on Tuesday.
Although confusion still persists over the issue, a reliable source confirmed The Bangladesh Today that the State Minister on Sunday morning tendered his resignation letter to the office of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and later he personally met her at her official residence. The Prime Minister did not accept his resignation.
She talked to Sohel Taj for about 20 minutes and asked him to continue his work after enjoying leave.
Sohel Taj, in his resignation letter, mentioned his personal ground but there are widespread speculation that it was due to the prevailing tug of war between the Home Minster and State Minister centering some reshuffle in police administration and interference of some influential personalities in the ruling Awami League and the government, sources said, adding some decision of the ministry frustrated the State Minister, the youngest cabinet member in the Awami League-led grand alliance government.
Asked about this, Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun said, “I don’t know about this at all. There is no conflict between Sohel Taj and me. He is like my son and we always work together. He appealed for 17-day leave from June 6 and I forwarded it and the Premier also accepted it.”
She further told newsmen that she failed to reach him over phone.
Apart from newsmen, party leaders and activists of central and Kapasia-Gazipur constituency area assembled at the State Minister’s government apartment area to know the actual facts but he did not make any comment in this regard except saying, “I have appealed for leave. Moreover I have been suffering from fever with severe pains in my hands and legs for last few days. I’m quite unwell to do my office at present.”
Here it may be mentioned that the State Minister for Home Affairs was not present at Monday’s cabinet meeting and even did not attend his secretariat office on Monday and Tuesday.
A source confirmed, Sohel Taj has changed his stance Tuesday evening and would continue his office following the directives of Sheikh Hasina who assured him to oversee the whole matter personally. Earlier, some cabinet members and senior AL leaders tried to persuade him to withdraw his resignation.

Courtesy of The Bangladesh Today