The High Court has directed that election of the governing body of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College be completed within 90 days.
At the same time, the court issued a rule asking why the institution’s ad-hoc committee should not be declared illegal. The rule specifically sought an explanation as to why the ad hoc committee formed on 26 July with Ismail Zabiullah as president should not be declared unlawful.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice AFM Saiful Karim passed the order on Wednesday, following a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by a lawyer.
The education secretary, director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, chairman and college inspector of Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, president of the Viqarunnisa ad hoc committee, and principal have been named as respondents in the writ petition.
Advocate Md Eunus Ali Akond appeared for the petitioner, whilst Deputy Attorney General Mahfuz Bin Yusuf represented the state.
Speaking after the court order, Advocate Yunus Ali Akond stated that Ismail Zabiullah is an adviser to the prime minister, with the rank of a minister, for Public Administration; and a member of the BNP Standing Committee. He claimed that Ismail Zabiullah has served as president of the ad hoc committee of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College for consecutive terms.
Advocate Akond stated that under the rules, an ad hoc committee cannot be formed more than twice, and the same person cannot serve as president or member more than twice. He alleged that Ismail Zabiullah has been appointed president of the ad hoc committee three times consecutively.
He further noted that under the Governing Body Regulations 2024, if an election is not held, the previous president and members cannot remain in the subsequent committee.
However, despite the election not taking place, the current ad hoc committee was re-formed with the previous president and members. The writ petition challenging the legality of this ad hoc committee was filed on 13 August.
