The High Court on Sunday ordered that secondary schools across the country remain closed from February 18 from the beginning of fasting month of holy Ramadan.

A bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order after hearing a public interest litigation filed by lawyer Elias Ali Mollah.

Elias Ali Mollah said the government had earlier decided to keep secondary schools (classes VI–X) closed from March 8, while madrasas were to close from February 15.

The court advanced the vacation for secondary schools to remove discrimination and to respect religious practices during Ramadan.

He argued that fasting students of classes VI–X face difficulties attending school during Ramadan.

The court also issued a rule asking the government to explain why secondary schools should not remain closed during Ramadan.

Primary schools and colleges will follow the government’s existing schedule.

Elias Ali Mollah was assisted by junior lawyer Tanjina Bobi Liza.