Secondary schools to remain closed in Ramadan: HC

The High Court (HC) on Sunday ordered the government to keep all secondary schools across the country closed throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Elyas Ali Mondal.
The petitioner, who argued the case himself, told the court that the government had earlier decided to keep secondary schools (classes VI-X) closed from March 8, while madrasas were to close from February 15.
The court advanced the vacation for secondary schools to remove discrimination and respect religious practices during Ramadan.
He argued that fasting students of classes VI-X face difficulties in attending school during Ramadan.
The court also issued a rule asking the government to explain why secondary schools should not remain closed during Ramadan.
Primary schools and colleges will follow the government's existing schedule.
Earlier, on January 20, Md Elyas Ali Mondal filed the writ petition seeking directives to close lower secondary and secondary schools during Ramadan.
Before filing the petition, legal notices were served on the secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education on the same issue.
Elyas was assisted by junior lawyer Tanjina Bobi Liza.

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