The High Court (HC) on Sunday ordered the closure of primary and secondary schools during Ramadan.
The HC bench came up with the order after staying for two months the government decision to keep the primary and secondary schools open for the first 10 and 15 days of Ramadan respectively.
The HC bench comprising Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat Lizu delivered the order following a writ petition filed by the guardian of a student.
Advocate Mahmuda Khanam stood for the writ petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Sheikh Md Saifuzzaman represented the state. Following the order, the academic activities of primary and secondary schools will remain closed during the month of Ramadan.
On February 8, the government amended the holiday list for educational institutions keeping the regular activities of secondary schools open for 15 days during Ramadan.
In its notification, the Education Ministry said regular academic activities at secondary schools and colleges will continue for 15 days from March 11 to 25 and from March 10 to 24, respectively.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said that classes will be held in primary schools for the first 10 days of Ramadan.
Advocate Md Ilias Ali Mandal, a guardian, had on February 25 filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging legality of two orders of the government.
Madrasas are closed for the entire month of Ramadan this year, but government decided to keep primary schools open for the first 10 days of Ramadan and secondary schools for the first 15 days in a clear conflict with the constitution, the petitioner said.
Secretaries to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Education Ministry, Deputy Secretary of Primary and Mass Education Ministry and Deputy Secretary of Education Ministry, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Department, Director of Child Welfare Trust were made respondents.
After hearing on the writ petition, the HC bench on Sunday ordered to the shut the primary and secondary schools during Ramadan and stayed the effectiveness of the governments notices for two months. Ramadan begins tomorrow across the country.
