Writ challenges legality of Lakehead Grammar School shutting

Staff Correspondent: A writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) challenging the legality of the government’s decision to discontinue the functions of three branches of Lakehead Grammar School in the capital on charges of patronizing religious extremism and militancy.

Barrister Rashna Imam filed the writ with the HC on Thursday in favour of proprietor of the school Khaled Hassan Matin and guardians of 12 students.

An HC bench headed by Justice Syed Muhammad Dastagir Hussain will hear the writ after 2:00pm. Senior lawyer AF Hasan Arif and Barrister Akhter Imam will take part in the hearing.

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 9, 2017/Mehadi/Amirul