The High Court has temporarily stopped a restriction on female students covering their ears and faces during exams and presentations issued by the Bangla Department of Dhaka University for a period of six months.
The High Court bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kuader and Justice Mohammad Ali passed the order on Tuesday (28 March) after hearing a writ in this regard.
The Chairman of the Bangla Department, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, registrar of the university, and education secretary have been given four weeks to respond to the order in this regard.
Deputy Attorney General Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar represented the state in court, while attorney Faizullah Faiz, who filed the relevant writ, stood up for it.
Later, quoting the High Court bench, lawyer Faizullah Faiz said, "Every person has the freedom to practice their own religion. That is the spirit of our constitution. No one can be forced to keep their face and ears uncovered."
On December 11, 2022, the Bangla Department of DU issued a notice that instructed female students to keep their faces and ears exposed during all exams, including viva and presentations.
The notice also stated that anyone disregarding the instruction would face consequences in accordance with university policy.
On December 19, Lawyer Faizullah Foyez filed a writ case at the High Court challenging the legality of a notice on behalf of three university students.
