Al-Haiatul Ulya Lil-Jamiatil Qawmia Bangladesh has announced the reopening of Qawmi madrasas across the country from August 8.
According to sources, the government recognized combined Qawmi Madrasa Education Board came up with the decision after a meeting -- chaired by the body's Co-Chairman Maulana Abdul Quddus -- held at its office in Dhaka on Thursday.
A press release, signed by its Office Secretary Asiur Rahman, was issued in this regard, reports Bangla Tribune.
It has been decided that all the country’s Qawmi madrasas will reopen from August 8 after having been shut down for about four and a half months due to the coronavirus situation, read the release.
However, this move by the top Qawmi madrasa body came without the government’s approval as it is still keeping all kinds of educational institutions closed in a bid to control further spread of the deadly virus.
When contacted, Office Secretary of Rahman Al-Haiatul Ulya Lil-Jamiatil Qawmia Bangladesh Asiur Rahman, said: “The meeting was attended by eminent Islamic scholars of the country.
“We have collectively decided to reopen the Qawmi madrasas from August 8. And those concerned will discuss in the meantime. We haven’t received government approval.”
“We will reopen our madrasas even if the government decides against it,” he added
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Secretary Nurul Islam, said: “We haven’t decided to reopen the country’s Qawmi madrasas.
“All educational institutions were shut down following government directives. So, our approval is a must in order to reopen them.”
Earlier on July 8, the government announced the reopening of Hafizia madrasas across the country from July 12, maintaining recommended health guidelines.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the decision in a statement, saying that it was taken responding to an application of Islamic scholars.
On June 1, the authorities concerned gave the go-ahead to reopen only the admission offices of the country's Qawmi madrasas while ensuring health safety guidelines and social distancing.
