DHAKA: The High Court Sunday directed the government to make sure women are not forced to put on veils at workplaces and educational institutions, as such a coercive action hit headlines.   

An HC bench comprising Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury and Justice Sheikh M Zakir Hossain also prohibited restraining women from taking part in cultural activities

At the same time, the bench issued a rule asking the government to explain why compelling women to wear veils and restraining them from cultural activities “should not be declared illegal”.

Barrister Mahbub Shafiq and M Hafizul Alam of the Supreme Court filed a writ petition with the High Court Sunday following publication of a report in a national daily.
 
The report said Mozammel Haque, Principal of Rani Bhawani College in Natore, recently asked female students to come to the college in veils. He also barred them from participating in cultural activities.

The High Court summoned the college Principal to appear before the court in person on August 26 to explain his reported edicts.  

BDST: 1750 HRS, AUG 22, 2010