He has been building up to it for a few months now.

Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj, son of Bangladesh’s first prime minister Tajuddin Ahmad and a former state minister for home affairs, yesterday launched a lifestyle-based television reality show to be hosted by him, ending all speculations about a cryptic video clip he posted on social media. 

The 12-episode show, titled “Hotline Commando”, will be aired on private television channel Rtv starting in September.

Announcing the show at a jam-packed press conference at a city hotel, Sohel Taj said the “Hotline Commando” team will go door to door asking people of their social, health and diet-related issues, and give expert suggestions.

“We will not be able to build ‘Sonar Bangla’ if people do not stay fit,”Sohel Taj told the press conference.

Sharing his motivation for coming up with the initiative, Sohel said he has received a lot of love, affection and respect from people, and the show is his way of paying back.

Asked whether he will join politics again, Sohel Taj said at present there is no scope for him to become active in politics.

“If the society and people are not prepared, how will you do politics? We will get solutions of various problems if we can develop the society and its people. May be this is my way of doing politics,” he added.

Sohel was made a state minister for home affairs in Sheikh Hasina’s 2009 cabinet but resigned from the post less than six months into taking oath.

He also resigned as lawmaker on April 23, 2012, and declared that he would no longer be actively involved in politics.

He has been living in Maryland, USA, with his family until recently.

A few months ago on his verified Facebook page, he posted a video teaser that said, “Sohel Taj is coming to you. Are you ready?”

“I could knock at your door -- whether you are staying in a village or town, Teknaf to Tetulia, Europe to America, Middle East to Asia.”

Speculation surfaced among people and media that Sohel Taj, who has refrained from politics since 2012, may come up with a new political or social initiative.

When journalists yesterday asked about people’s possible disappointment in his involvement with a TV reality show, Sohel Taj said: “May be this is my way of doing politics and building the society.”

He also categorically said there is no chance for the initiative to turn into a political platform.

Sohel, however, said “Hotline Commando” will not be limited to just a reality show, as they have plans to carry out seminars, camps at schools and universities, live interaction on Facebook and social awareness programmes.

In reply to a query, Sohel said he and his family will always be with Awami League in times of need.

A memorandum of understanding was signed for the show -- among Fitnation Media, Mitsubishi Motors, Suzuki Motorbikes, RTV and Karuj Communications.