DHAKA: The government Wednesday issued an instruction that wearing religious dresses in educational institutions cannot be made compulsory, three days after a court order forbidding forced use of veil.

A circular issued to this effect by the Education Ministry said, “None can be forced to wear religious costumes in the educational institutions…torture, harassment or punitive actions cannot be meted out to any girl student for not wearing such dresses.”

“At the same time, the female students cannot be restrained from taking part in cultural activities and sports,” says the government order in tune with the High Court rulings.   

In the circular, signed by Education Secretary Syed Ataur Rahman, the ministry forewarned that forcing someone to wear veil or religious dresses and restraining girl students from participating in sports and cultural activities would be considered as “misconduct’.

“Forcing the girl students into wearing veil and barring them from taking part in cultural activities and sport is not acceptable by any means, thinking about their proper education and flourishing their merit,” the circular said.

Under the circumstances, this circular was published as per article 28 of the constitution for “protecting human rights”.

The Education Ministry, Education Department and education boards will take legal action if any allegation is reported about violating the directions.

Recently a report was published in a national daily that Mozammel Haque, Principal of Rani Bhawani College in Natore, asked female students to come to the college in veils. He also barred them from participating in cultural activities.

Following the publication of the report, the High Court Sunday directed the government to make sure women are not forced to put on veil at workplaces and educational institutions.  

BDST: 1330 HRS, AUG 25, 2010