Lakehead school to remain closed for 10 days more

Staff Correspondent: The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) has 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.

The Appellate Division bench led by acting Chief Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah passed the order on Sunday.

Earlier on November 15, the Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hussain passed a stay order following three separate petitions filed by the government seeking stay on the High Court verdict.

The apex court chamber judge also sent the petitions to its full bench for hearing on Sunday.

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 19, 2017/Mehadi/AI