Decision to keep schools open during Ramadan

Decision to keep schools open during Ramadan

In a significant turn of events, the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, has stayed the High Court's order suspending the decision to keep primary and secondary schools open during the holy month of Ramadan. This development, which unfolded on Tuesday (March 12), has implications on the ongoing debate surrounding the closure of educational institutions during Ramadan.

Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, leading the Appellate Division, issued the order, effectively removing obstacles to maintaining the regular operation of primary and secondary schools during the month of Ramadan. This decision comes after the Chamber Court sent the matter to the Appellate Division for further hearing, without suspending the High Court's initial order.

In the court proceedings, Attorney General AM Amin Uddin presented the state's side, emphasizing the government's prerogative in deciding whether schools should remain open. On the opposing front, senior advocate AKM Faiz, representing the writ, argued that closing schools for a short period during Ramadan would have no adverse effects on studies. He highlighted potential issues such as traffic congestion and parental challenges if schools were to remain open.

During the hearing, AKM Faiz underscored the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and acknowledged the closure of institutions for two years due to the pandemic. He argued that a brief closure of schools during Ramadan would not harm the educational process. On the contrary, keeping schools open might lead to practical challenges for parents and create traffic congestion. He also pointed out that parents were actively advocating for the closure of schools by forming human chains in various locations.

Attorney General AM Amin Uddin countered these arguments, stating that the decision to keep schools open or closed during Ramadan is a matter of government policy. He contended that the High Court should not interfere in such policy matters.

The legal battle began when a parent filed a writ in the High Court challenging the decision of the Ministry of Education to keep secondary level schools open for 15 days during Ramadan. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education also followed suit by announcing that primary school classes would continue for 10 days during Ramadan.