In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Education has directed the authorities of schools and colleges concerned not to force women students for wearing veils or burqa's at their educational institutions. The circular which has been signed by Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman, also asked the authorities not to prevent women students from participating in sports and cultural activities at the institutions. The circular has also urged the heads of the educational institutions and the management committees to take necessary measures to follow the instructions. The ministry has also warned that if any complaint is received about violation of the instructions, the departments, directorates or education boards under the Education Ministry will conduct an inquiry and take necessary legal action. The circular by the education ministry has been issued following the Bangladesh High Court’s order directing the government to ensure that no woman is forced to wear veil or burqa at the educational institutions and offices across the country. The two judge bench of Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and Justice Sheikh Zakir Hossain issued the order on Sunday following an application by two Supreme Court lawyers about a news report saying that women students were forced to wear veils and religious dresses in a college in Natore.