The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Monday upheld a notice of the Department of Bangla of Dhaka University asking its female students to keep their ears and faces visible during examinations and presentations.
A three-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Justice Md. Nuruzzaman, issued the order on Monday (May 29).
The apex court also asked the High Court to dispose of the rule regarding the issue within two months.
Barrister Belayet Hossain, a lawyer of Bangladesh Supreme Court, stood for the petitioners while Attorney General Abu Mohammad Amin Uddin represented the Dhaka University in the apex court.
On December 11, the Department of Bengali of Dhaka University issued a notice saying that as per the decision of the Academic Committee of the department, held on September 18, the students of the department must keep their faces and ears open during their tutorial/presentation, mid-term, final examinations and viva voce for identification.
Those who will not follow the order, action will be taken against them as per the university rules, it said.
On February 20, a writ petition was filed at the High Court challenging the legality of the notice to keep all female students’ ears and faces visible. Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Registrar and Chairman of Department of Bangla of DU were made respondents to the writ.
The writ petition also sought issuance of a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why the notice should not be declared illegal and why directives should not be given not to obstruct the Muslim female students from abiding by the religious norms.
It also sought a stay order on the effectiveness of the notice issued by DU.
On March 28, the High Court stayed for six months the effectiveness of the notice. Following HC order, the DU authorities filed a petition challenging the HC order.
