In a significant development, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has overturned a High Court order that sought the closure of primary and secondary schools during the holy month of Ramadan. This means that schools will continue their regular operations throughout the month of Ramadan.
The decisive order was passed by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan on Tuesday, countering the High Court’s directive issued on Sunday, which had initially ordered the closure of schools during Ramadan. Simultaneously, the previous notification allowing schools to remain open was also suspended.
The government had, on February 8, modified the holiday schedule for educational institutions, permitting regular activities in secondary schools for 15 days during Ramadan. A notice from the Ministry of Education confirmed this adjustment.
However, Supreme Court lawyer Md Elias Ali Mondal filed a writ petition on February 25 challenging the legality of the government’s decision to keep primary and secondary schools operational during Ramadan. The petition named key figures, including secretaries and deputy secretaries of the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, the director general of the Primary Education Directorate, and the director of the Children Welfare Trust, as respondents.
The writ petition not only contested the government’s decision but also sought directives to keep schools closed throughout Ramadan until a final resolution was reached.
With the Appellate Division’s recent ruling, schools are now set to continue their regular activities during the holy month, providing clarity amid the legal debate surrounding this matter.
