Chattogram: Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel on Saturday denounced remarks by Hefajat-e-Islam chief Shah Ahmed Shafi on barring girls from receiving education beyond the fifth grade, reports the UNB.

‘It’s his personal opinion and is not consistent with the state’s policy,’ Nowfel told the media at his Sholoshahar residence. 

‘He is not in any executive position involving [the state’s] education policy, education management or any part of the sector,’ the deputy minister said adding, ‘There’s no reason to believe his remarks will be reflected on our state policy.’

On Friday, Shafi urged parents to stop their daughters’ education after the fourth or the fifth grade. 

He also made participants of the 118th annual mehfil of Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Muinul Islam Madrasah in Hathazari promise not to send their daughters to high schools.