Education ministry orders indefinite closure of Hathazari madrasa

The Ministry of Education today ordered the closure of Al Jameyatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasa, popularly known as Hathazari madrasa, in Chattogram's Hathazari upazila until further notice.

The decision came after a day the madrasa's students demonstrated demanding the removal of Hefazat-e-Islam Chief Ahmad Shafi's son Anas Madani from the institution.

The ministry issued a notice, signed by Sayed Asgar Ali, assistant secretary (madrasa-2), saying that the madrasa will remain closed until further notice as it did not follow the conditions given before being allowed to reopen on August 24.

The Daily Star has obtained a copy of the notice. However, what conditions were violated has not been clarified yet.

The order will be in force immediately, it stated.

Confirming the development to The Daily Star, Chattogram district administration's Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Badiul Alam Pavel said they have received an order from the education ministry to shut down the madrasa.

"After getting the notice, we have already started working to close the institution. We are talking to the madrasa authority... If anyone tries to breach the order, legal steps will be taken," he added.

Chittagong District Superintendent of Police (SP) SM Rasidul Haque said they are aware of the closure order.

"Police have been kept alert in front of the madrasa area to fend off any untoward incident," he added.