Appeal hearing on Lakehead Grammar School Sunday

Staff Correspondent: A bench of the Appellate Division will hear a appeal petition against a High Court verdict that ordered authorities concerned to keep the functions of two branches of Lakehead Grammar School in the capital closed for ten days more for allegedly patronising militancy and involvement in ‘anti-liberation’ activities.

A five-member Appellate Division bench headed by acting Chief Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah passed the order after hearing on a time petition on Thursday.

The High Court on November 14 ordered the authorities concerned to reopen Lakehead Grammar School within 24 hours declaring the government's decision to shut down the school's Dhanmondi and Gulshan branches in Dhaka illegal.

On November 9, the High Court issued a rule asking the government to explain why suspension of academic activities of three branches of Lakehead Grammar School in the capital would not be illegal.

Earlier on November 6, the Education Ministry ordered the Dhaka district administration to shut down the Lakehead Grammar School for allegedly patronising militancy and involvement in ‘anti-liberation’ activities.

In a letter signed by the Joint Secretary Salma Jahan, the ministry said the school had not taken approval from the government.

According to the letter, the school was inspiring religious extremism, building extremist organisations, and carrying out activities against the nation and its independence.

It is learnt that Rizwan Harun, one of the patrons of the school, has been missing since he arrived in Dhaka from London in May.

The co-founder and managing director of Lakehead Grammar School is being investigated for financing and patronising militancy in Bangladesh, claim law enforcement officials.

The school, founded in 2006, has several branches in Dhanmondi and Gulshan.



risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 30, 2017/Mehadi/Mukul