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Published : 05 Jan 2026, 05:43 PM
A Supreme Court lawyer has served a legal notice to the government, seeking closure of all educational institutions for the entire month of Ramadan.
Advocate Md Elyas Ali Mondal sent the notice in public interest on Monday, challenging a recent notification issued by the education ministry to keep schools open for the first 21 days of Ramadan.
Elyas said he issued the notice after reviewing reactions from students and parents over the revised Ramadan holiday schedule.
The notice argued that around 98 percent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim, and since independence, educational institutions have traditionally remained closed throughout Ramadan. This practice, it said, amounts to law, custom and policy.
Citing Article 31 of the Constitution, the lawyer claimed that no action can be taken without lawful authority.
He also referred to Article 152(1), which defines law as including “any custom and practice having the force of law in Bangladesh”.
“On that basis, the government’s controversial decision to keep primary and secondary schools open during Ramadan is unconstitutional,” the notice said.
However, under a notification issued on Dec 28, 2025, the government decided to keep schools open from the first day of Ramadan -- Feb 14 -- to the 22nd day -- Mar 7 -- with holidays beginning from Mar 8.
The notice pointed out that madrasas across the country have been granted a full 30-day closure during Ramadan, describing the differing arrangements as discriminatory within the education system.
It argued that fasting students in primary and secondary schools would face difficulties travelling to school and attending classes throughout the day, which could discourage them from observing the fast and hinder religious practices.
Keeping schools open during Ramadan would also worsen traffic congestion in cities, causing additional suffering to urban residents, the notice said.
It warned that a writ petition would be filed with the High Court seeking necessary directives if the government fails to respond.
The legal notice has been sent by registered post to the secretaries of the education ministry and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
