HC directs probe into allegation of students "harassed for wearing burqa"

The High Court today (June 2, 2022) directed the government to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of harassing Muslim female students for wearing burqa at eight academic institutions.

The court also directed the government to inform the court about steps taken against the persons responsible for the incidents.

The secretaries at the ministries of education and home affairs have been directed to conduct the enquiry and to submit a report in 60 days.

The eight institutions are Barbarpur High School at Mohadebpur in Naogaon; Brojendraganj RC High School at Dirai in Sunamganj; Bhadeshwar Nasir Uddin High School and College at Golapganj in Sylhet; Islami University in Kushtia; Sher-e-Bangla High School at Senbagh in Noakhali; Joarganj Bouddho High School at Mirsarai in Chattogram; Satbaria High Schhol at Chandanaish in Chattogram and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Gopalganj.

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order following a writ petition filed by Allama Mohammad Mahbub Alam, editordof Daily Al Ihsan and monthly Al Baiyinaat seeking necessary directives to this effect.

The bench also fixed August 11 for hearing and passing further order on this issue.

Allama Mahbub recently submitted the petition as a supplementary one annexing some newspaper reports on harassment of female students for wearing burqa at the eight academic institutions.

Earlier in July 2019, the HC had issued a rule asking the officials concerned of the government to explain why harassment of female students for wearing burqa at the academic institutions should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

Lawyers Mohammad Ahsan and Ilias Ali Mondal appeared for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Bepul Bagmar represented the state during hearing today.