Secondary schools to remain shut for entire Ramadan: HC

The High Court has ordered the closure of all educational activities for classes six to ten across the country for the entire month of Ramadan, starting from February 18, in observance of the upcoming holy month. The Secretary of the Ministry of Education has been instructed to implement this directive.

The High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Asif Hasan issued the order on Sunday, February 15, following a preliminary hearing on a related writ petition. Simultaneously, the court issued a rule asking why a separate notification issued by the Ministry of Education regarding the closure of madrasas and lower secondary schools should not be declared illegal.

Lawyer Md Elias Ali Mandal and Advocate Tanzina Boby Liza argued the petition in court. Earlier, a writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the decision to keep schools open during Ramadan. Supreme Court lawyer Md Elias Ali Mandal submitted the writ petition to the relevant branch.

On January 5, he had sent a legal notice to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and the Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education demanding the closure of educational institutions during Ramadan. The notice stated that the majority of the country's population is Muslim and since independence, there has been a practice of keeping educational institutions closed during Ramadan, which is considered part of law, custom and policy. It was claimed that the decision to keep schools open during Ramadan is unconstitutional in light of Articles 31 and 152(1) of the constitution.

The notice further mentioned that young students might face difficulties observing fasting during Ramadan due to exhaustion from attending classes and commuting throughout the day, which could create obstacles to religious practice. Additionally, concerns were raised about increased traffic congestion and public suffering in urban areas if schools remain open during this time.

As no response was received to the notice, a writ petition was subsequently filed. After hearing, the High Court ordered the closure of secondary and lower secondary schools during Ramadan.