Dhaka, Feb 15 (V7N) — The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered the closure of all government and private lower secondary and secondary educational institutions for the entire month of Ramadan, starting February 18. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida and Justice Md. Asif Hasan on Sunday.

Background of the Case

The order follows a writ petition filed seeking directions to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan. Supreme Court lawyer Md. Ilyas Ali Mondal submitted the petition, highlighting that 98 percent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim and that school closures during Ramadan have historically been a law, custom, and policy.

Lawyers AKM Faiz and Tanzina Bobby Liza also participated in hearing the petition.

Legal Grounds

The petition argued that keeping schools open during Ramadan is unconstitutional under Article 31 and Article 152(1) of the Constitution, which recognize customs and practices with the force of law. It stated that young children and adolescents face fatigue from traveling and attending classes while fasting, potentially discouraging them from observing religious rituals.

Additionally, the petition cited that open schools during Ramadan exacerbate traffic congestion in cities, causing inconvenience to the general public.

High Court Decision

The High Court agreed with the petitioners, ruling that all lower secondary and secondary educational institutions—both government and private—must remain closed throughout Ramadan, starting February 18. The decision reinforces the practice of observing religious obligations while maintaining public convenience.

This ruling comes ahead of the holy month and is expected to affect millions of students and city traffic across Bangladesh.

END/SMA/AJ