Sohel Taj issue discussed at cabinet meeting

UNB, Dhaka

The question of Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj's resignation as state minister for home affairs was discussed briefly during the weekly cabinet meeting on Monday but no firm decision was reached about his political fate.
Sources said during the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a minister raised the issue as Taj's own statement over his resignation on May 31 was widely published in national dailies on Monday. Citing the Constitution, Taj said he is no more a minister as he has handed in his resignation to the Prime Minister through a resignation letter.
The sources said the cabinet members felt sorry for his about-turn despite assurances from none but the prime minister herself to look into his problems.
In his press interview from Maryland, USA, Sunday, Taj claimed that as he had submitted his resignation, it would be a violation of Article 58 (a) of the Constitution to address him as minister.
After this statement, the public is wondering why the government has for so long concealed this from them.
A senior minister told UNB on Monday that Prime Minister Hasina has profound sympathy for family members of the slain Tajuddin Ahmed, the country's first Prime Minister, and three other national leaders who were also slain for their close association with Bangabandhu as well as their great contribution to the country's war of liberation.
Perhaps, the minister said, as a result of this sympathy the Prime Minister wanted to take her time to see whether Taj changed his mind and withdrew his resignation letter before she took any final decision.