In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Education has directed the authorities of schools and colleges concerned not to force women students for wearing veils or religious attires 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 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 Bangladesh education ministry’s circular has not only clearly barred the school and college authorities from forcing female students to wear burqa’s or veils but has also warned that strict action will be taken if the instructions are violated. The ministry has instructed all the departments, directorates and education boards to conduct an inquiry and take necessary legal action if they receive any complaints that the instructions are being violated. The ministry’s circular comes a few days after they Bangladesh High Courts direction asking the government to ensure that women are not forced to wear veil or burqa in educational institutions and offices. The High Court issued the order following an petition filed 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.