“I am surprised at being stopped on my way to the United States”: Sohel Taj

Former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Tajuddin Ahmed’s son, Tanzim Ahmed Sohel Taj, was prevented from travelling to the United States at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. On Wednesday, he was stopped at immigration and sent back, according to a senior officer of the Police Special Branch (SB), who confirmed the incident on Friday night, 26 September.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Sohel Taj expressed his shock at the incident: “I do not understand why immigration would stop me. After 5 August, I have travelled abroad several times without any issue. Why would they suddenly detain me this time?”

He added: “I have reached out to the relevant government authorities and wish to hear their explanation. I am truly astonished. Why has the government treated me this way?”

Sohel Taj noted that since taking on responsibilities under the interim government, he has travelled abroad multiple times. He even visited the United States in June this year, returning without incident.

“Being stopped this time has left me surprised and bewildered. I am in communication with the proper authorities and hope the matter will be clarified by tomorrow (Sunday). I preferred not to speak on it earlier,” he said.

Regarding whether the BDR Mutiny Investigation Commission had instructed restrictions on his travel, Sohel Taj stated: “I will be able to comment on this matter tomorrow.”

When asked about his reaction to being prevented from travelling, he said: “I am surprised and astonished. I have travelled abroad several times under the current government, most recently to the United States in June, returning safely that same month.”

It is noteworthy that on 17 July, Sohel Taj visited the State Guest House Jamuna with his elder sister Sharmin Ahmed to meet Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Principal Adviser of the Interim Government. According to the Press Wing of the Principal Adviser, the meeting was arranged as a courtesy in relation to an invitation to the centenary celebration of Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister, Tajuddin Ahmed.