Legal notice served to keep schools closed during Ramadan

A legal notice has been served demanding the closure of schools during the upcoming month of Ramadan. On Monday (January 5), the notice was sent to the secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

The notice was issued by Supreme Court lawyer Md Elias Ali Mondal. It states that around 98 percent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim and that schools have traditionally remained closed during Ramadan since independence, which, according to the notice, constitutes law, custom and policy.

Citing Articles 31 and 152(1) of the Constitution, the notice argues that reopening primary and secondary schools during Ramadan is unconstitutional. It further claims that fasting students face physical hardship, which may discourage religious practice, and that keeping schools open worsens urban traffic congestion.

The notice warns that a writ petition will be filed with the High Court if the decision is not reconsidered.