Former state minister Sohel Taj reports death threats

Former state minister for home affairs Sohel Taj has said that he has been receiving death threats from various quarters for some time.

He said this to journalists on Thursday after discussing security concerns with the home affairs adviser at the Secretariat.

Sohel Taj expressed his concerns, saying: "After the loss of hundreds of lives, the interim government has come into power with much hope and expectation from students and the public, who sought change. We have high expectations from this government. We desire a democratic, prosperous, and progressive Bangladesh."

He said: "Personally, I wish for the success of this government. I believe that improving law and order is a crucial part of any good work or state reform. The rule of law is essential for good governance.

“On Wednesday, as I was returning to my home in DOHS after finishing work, a motorcyclist followed me like a shadow. When I entered the cantonment area, he signaled me to stop. I noticed red and blue lights flashing from under his shirt. I couldn't understand who he was. Usually, MPs are the ones who stop people inside the cantonment. After stopping me, I repeatedly asked him who he was, what his identity was, and why he asked me to stop. He kept telling me that 'our people are coming, you need to stop,'" he added.

The former state minister said: "At one point, I asked him, 'Do you recognize me?' He replied, 'Yes, you are Sohel Taj.' I was even more surprised. Then I overheard him on the phone saying, 'He has entered through Jahangir Gate. You guys come to this location.' I repeatedly asked him for his identity, but he didn't answer. Then, after speaking on the phone again, he told me I could leave.

"What I realized is that the person he was talking to was stationed somewhere else. They probably thought I would exit through Mohakhali," he added.

He further said: "I believe there was a plan to cause an incident here. I have come to inform the home affairs adviser about these issues. I believe every citizen of Bangladesh has the right to personal security. I urged him to improve the law-and-order situation as quickly as possible, and he has given his assurance."

Taj said: "Even though I am currently an ordinary citizen, I still have an identity. From that position, various groups may have intentions to act in different ways."