A decisive ruling is expected today on whether secondary schools across the country will remain closed for the entirety of the holy month of Ramadan. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is due to deliver its order following a hearing on an appeal filed by the Ministry of Education, bringing clarity to weeks of uncertainty for pupils, parents and educators alike.
The dispute centres on the 2026 academic calendar published by the Ministry of Education, which proposed keeping secondary schools—covering classes six to ten—open for more than half of Ramadan. The decision prompted a legal challenge by Supreme Court lawyer Md Ilias Ali Mondal, who filed a writ petition before the High Court seeking a directive to ensure schools remain closed throughout the fasting month.
Earlier this month, a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Asif Hasan ordered that secondary schools be closed for the full duration of Ramadan. However, following an appeal by the state, Chamber Judge Justice Farah Mahbub of the Appellate Division stayed the High Court’s order pending a full hearing. Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R Haque represented the government in court.
The petitioner argued that since independence it has been customary practice to suspend classes during Ramadan, a tradition he contended carries legal and social weight. The writ also highlighted concerns over the physical strain on young students observing fasts while commuting in high temperatures, as well as the risk of exacerbating traffic congestion in urban centres during peak hours.
The controversy has been further fuelled by revisions in the 2026 holiday schedule. Compared with the previous year, secondary and lower-secondary schools have reportedly seen a reduction of 12 holidays, with certain observances—such as Shab-e-Meraj and Janmashtami—removed from the list.
A comparison of the proposed arrangements across different levels of education is set out below:
| Education Level | Proposed Ramadan Schedule | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary (Classes 6–10) | Open for part of Ramadan | Awaiting final court ruling |
| Government Primary Schools | Classes until 21st Ramadan | As per schedule |
| Government & Private Colleges | Closed for entire Ramadan | Confirmed |
| Madrasas | Holiday began 15 February | In effect |
The differing approaches have generated debate within the education community. Some stakeholders argue that maintaining partial academic continuity is essential to prevent learning losses, particularly given previous disruptions. Others maintain that students’ well-being and long-standing cultural practices should take precedence.
If the Appellate Division upholds the High Court’s earlier order, secondary schools will close from 18 February—the anticipated start of Ramadan. Conversely, if the government’s appeal succeeds, classes will continue in accordance with the published academic calendar for a specified portion of the month.
Today’s verdict is therefore poised to determine the academic routine of millions of secondary students during one of the most significant periods in the religious calendar.