Sohel Taj raises three questions about quota protest coordinators' custody at DB office

Former state minister for home affairs Tanjim Ahmad, popularly known as Sohel Taj, has made an abortive attempt to meet six coordinators of the quota reform movement now being in 'safe custody'.

Taj, who has withdrawn himself from politics, visited police’s Detective Branch, or DB, office in the capital’s Minto Road around 5pm on Monday.

He could not see the detainees despite staying there for over an hour, reports bdnews24.com. 

Taj spoke to the media at the DB office gate around 6:15pm.

He expressed his concerns over the use of violence and demanded that no further bullets be fired at the students.

He also raised three specific questions regarding the status of the quota movement coordinators.

Earlier on Friday, three coordinators—Abu Baker Majumder, Asif Mahmood, and Nahid Islam—were reportedly taken into custody by law enforcers from a hospital in Dhaka.

Initially, law enforcers did not confirm their detainment, but later, Home Minister Asaduzzaman cited 'security reasons' for their custody.

On Saturday evening, two more coordinators—Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah—were taken into custody, followed by Nusrat Tabassum on Sunday.

On Sunday night and Monday, the coordinators' relatives visited them, reporting that they were doing well.

They also confirmed that the video message announcing the suspension of the protests was given voluntarily.

WHAT WERE THE QUESTIONS

Taj presented three questions to the DB authorities:

· “Have these six coordinators been arrested, or are they in safety custody?”

· “If they are arrested, I have no further questions or demands. If they are in safety custody, I wish to meet them.”

· “When will they be released from safety custody?”

WHAT DID HARUN SAY

Taj said Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Harunor Rashid had facilitated communication between Taj and DB senior officials.

They informed him that the six coordinators were placed in safety custody due to concerns about their security.

The former state minister questioned DB chief Harun, “How did you determine that they were concerned about their safety? Did they inform you or request this themselves?”

The DB chief responded that the coordinators did not make any such request to the DB. Instead, the DB understood the situation through its ‘own monitoring’, according to Taj.

“Since they are in safety custody, I requested to meet them,” Taj said.

However, his request was not entertained, and he was told: “To meet them, you would need permission from ‘higher authorities’.”

DB said the coordinators will be released when ‘higher authorities’ give the directive, according to Taj.

“As far as I know, safety custody is for those who request it. If someone is placed in safety custody without them asking for it, is it truly safety custody or an arrest?” he questioned.

ABOUT SOHEL TAJ

Taj is the son of Tajuddin Ahmad, the prime minister of the provisional government of Bangladesh during the Liberation War.

He was first elected as a Member of Parliament for the Gazipur-4 (Kapasia) constituency in 2001 on an Awami League ticket.

He was re-elected in December 2008 and served as state minister for home affairs.

However, he resigned from his ministerial and parliamentary positions and has been away from politics since then.

Currently, Taj is focused on encouraging physical fitness.

His parliamentary seat is now held by his sister, Simeen Hussain Rimi, who is currently serving as the state minister for women and children affairs.

NO MORE SHOOTING

Taj said, “The destruction of property is nothing compared to the loss of lives. These resources were built with taxpayers' money. They are public assets, and we may rebuild them in the future.”

“But can we bring back the lives lost? Can these lives be returned?”

“The value of a life is far more than any amount of money; it is priceless,” he added.

He urged caution for future operations, after saying, “I want to clearly state to our law enforcement agencies, our army: no more bullets should be fired at our students.”

“This is not right. Please refrain from such actions.”

He also called for a halt to the arrest of students.

CONCERN FOR THE NATION

When asked about his visit to the DB office, Taj said: “First I want to say that I am the son of Tajuddin Ahmad, who led Bangladesh's liberation war, and Zohra Tajuddin. I have served as state minister for Home Affairs and been an MP twice.”

“Now, I am an ordinary citizen.”

He explained, “I am here at the DB office today because, like all citizens of Bangladesh, I am deeply concerned about the current situation in our country.”

Tajuddin's son said, “We fought for a Bangladesh where there would be justice, where merit alone would determine capability.”

“There would be fundamental rights for all, regardless of wealth, as well as freedom of speech and thought.”

“Today, it seems that these rights are severely compromised,” he added.

He continued, “The current unrest surrounding the quota movement has resulted in numerous deaths, from innocent five-year-olds to teenagers and ordinary people.”

“This has deeply affected all of us and shaken our conscience. That is why I am here personally.”

Taj said, “A comprehensive solution is needed. The first step is to thoroughly investigate and prosecute each case of murder and bring those responsible to justice.”

“No extrajudicial killings should occur. After that, solutions must be reached through discussions. This resolution must involve political negotiations with everyone.”

He encouraged students, after saying, “Better days are ahead, but it requires enduring hardship now. Do not lose hope. This country is your asset, and it is up to you to build it.”