Headscarves not banned at Motijheel Ideal School & College: PM

Mentioning that wearing headscarves by girl students at Motijheel Ideal School and College not banned, prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said her government is always aware about taking legal steps against any activity that hurts people's religious sentiment.

“The education ministry in its investigation didn’t find the authenticity of the allegation of banning headscarves at the institute. Its governing body also didn’t take any decision banning wearing headscarves by its girl students,” she said.

The prime minister said this while replying to a starred question from opposition chief whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga, MP.

Ranga, in his question, asked the prime minister whether it was true that Motijheel Ideal School and College has banned wearing headscarves by girls in their classrooms.

“Incumbent Awami League government is determined to uphold the spirit and values of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and other religions. The government is always conscious about taking legal measures against any activity that hurts the religious sentiment and norms… Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign and secular country,” Hasina said.
In reply to a supplementary question from BNP MP Md. Harunur Rashid, the prime minister said she keeps eyes on everything though she moves with security protocol.

Harunur Rashid, in his query, urged the PM to visit different parts of Dhaka city without security protocol to personally know what the young generation wants and thinks about.

Hasina said, “Yes, this is right I move with security protocol… But it’s also not right that I don’t know the conditions of the city and the country. We keep watch on what’s happening (in the country).”

“He (Harun) told me (PM) that I should oversee everything properly. But a question is raised when I work much saying that why the prime minister has to do everything,” she said adding that she should oversee everything as she has taken the responsibility of the country.

About the young generation, Hasina said the government is taking appropriate measures so that the youth can return to the healthy life giving up the drug, violence and militancy.