The High Court on Tuesday ordered that all the branches of Lakehead Grammar School in Dhaka city to be reopened within 24 hours after authorities shut it down over allegations of patronising religious extremism and militancy.
A HC bench comprised of Justice Syed Mohammad Dastagir Hossain and Justice Ataur Rahman Khan passed the order after hearing on several writ petitions.
Earlier on Thursday, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain why suspension of academic activities of three branches of the school would not be declared illegal.
Barrister Rashna Imam filed three writ petitions on behalf of Khaled Hasan Matin - new owner of the school, and guardians of 12 students of the school, according to a local news agency.
“The court said Lakehead Grammar School should be reopened within 24 hours,” Imam was quoted by a news agency as saying.
On November 6, the government suspended the academic functions of Lakehead Grammar School at Dhanmondi branch and two other branches at Gulshan over allegations of harbouring militancy and inspiring extremism.
According to the Education Ministry, the school was running without approval from the ministry.
“The school administration has been ordered to cooperate fully with the government if they decide to investigate allegations of militant activity,” Imam added.
