HC stays circular limiting private school, college chair positions to govt officials
According to the directive, a chairperson must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
The High Court has stayed the effectiveness of a government circular that limited the appointment of chairpersons of governing bodies in private schools and colleges to only serving government officials (not below Grade 9) or retired officials (not below Grade 5).
At the same time, the court issued a rule asking why the provision should not be declared unconstitutional and illegal.
The order was passed today (22 October) by a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Asif Hasan, following a hearing on a writ petition.
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Senior lawyer Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon appeared on behalf of the petitioner during the hearing.
Speaking to reporters later, Barrister Khokon said the restriction was discriminatory and undermined equal opportunity, prompting the court to suspend the circular's operation.
Earlier, Advocate Mokshedur Rahman Abir filed the writ petition challenging the circular issued in September. The circular had stipulated that only serving or retired government officials of Grade 9 or above could serve as chairpersons of managing committees of private educational institutions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has instructed all educational institutions to form regular committees by 30 November. According to the directive, a chairperson must have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
Eligible candidates include serving government officials not below Grade 9, retired officials not below Grade 5, officers of autonomous bodies, and university teachers.
