Education Ministry asks educational institutions not to force female students to wear veil or religious dress

By AKM Moinuddin

Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) - The Education Ministry issued a circular Wednesday asking the government and private educational institutions not to force female students to wear burqa (veil) or religious dress.
The circular signed by Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman also said that female students cannot be refrained from participating in sports and cultural activities at their institutions.
It said female students cannot be repressed, harassed or given any punishment for not wearing veil.
The circular said it will be considered “misbehavior” if female students are forced to wear burqa or religious dress and prevented from taking part in sports and cultural activities.
It urged the heads of the educational institutions and the management committees to take necessary measures to follow these instructions.
The circular said if any complaint is received about violation of the instructions, the departments, directorates or education boards under the Education Ministry will make inquiry and take legal action.
It said the instructions are given for the protection of human rights as per article 28 of the Constitution.
The circular said it is not expected under any situation to force the female students to wear religious dress and prevent them from taking part in sports and cultural activities to ensure a good education for students and flourish their merits.
The High Court on August 22 issued a suo moto order directing the government to ensure that no woman is forced to wear veil (burqa) or religious attires at the educational institutions and offices across the country.
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