Government Strategy to Tackle Primary School Music-Teacher Shortage

The recruitment of specialised music teachers in state primary schools across Bangladesh has hit a standstill following amendments to the recruitment guidelines. Initially, the previous interim government formulated a policy allowing the appointment of dedicated music and physical education instructors. However, following intense opposition, the administration amended the regulations within two months, scrapping the provision. This has left primary schools facing a significant deficit of specialised instructors just as new subjects are poised to enter the national curriculum.

New Curriculum and Alternative Government Strategy

The new government intends to introduce several subjects from the upcoming academic year. In the fourth grade, two new subjects titled ‘Culture’ and ‘Sports’ will be added. Furthermore, the government plans to make ‘Learning with Happiness’ and ‘Technical and Vocational Education’ compulsory from the sixth grade.

These upcoming curriculum updates have renewed the focus on the acute shortage of music teachers. Since recruitment remains halted, the government has devised an interim solution in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Music teachers under the cultural ministry will be deployed at the sub-district (Upazila) level using a cluster-based approach.

Addressing journalists at the Secretariat last Thursday, the Minister for Primary and Mass Education and Ministry of Education, A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan, confirmed that the government is organising Qirat (Quranic recitation) and music competitions alongside initiatives promoting morality and family values. He stated:

“There is a lack of teachers. Therefore, in joint collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, their music teachers will assist at the Upazila level through a cluster system. In the future, the Shilpakala Academy will cooperate in this regard. This is how we are proceeding for the time being. Culture and music departments are gradually being introduced at universities, which will eventually yield qualified teachers.”

The minister also dismissed reports claiming that the Cabinet had formally rejected the appointment of primary school music teachers, clarifying that no such discussions had taken place within the Cabinet.

Statistics and the Primary Education Landscape

The Department of Primary Education has provided crucial metrics regarding the current state of primary education in the country. This data, alongside historical recruitment figures, is detailed in the table below:

Existing Curriculum and Included Songs

Currently, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) does not provide separate textbooks for music from the first to fifth grades, nor are students subjected to formal examinations. Instead, teachers evaluate students at the end of the academic year using a specific teacher’s guide.

According to this guide, mastering the selected songs helps instil a sense of national history, heritage, love for the mother tongue, the spirit of the Liberation War, the dignity of labour, and universal brotherhood. It is also projected to increase enrollment rates and reduce dropouts.

The primary curriculum includes a selection of 13 mandated songs:

1. Amar Sonar Bangla (National Anthem)

2. Ei Shundor Phul, Shundor Phol, Mitha Noder Pani

3. Rokto Diye Nam Likhechi Bangladesher Nam

4. Amra Korbo Joy

5. Allah Megh De Pani De

6. Projajoti, Projajoti! Kothay Pele Bhai Emon Rongin Pakha

7. Anondoloke Mongolaloke

8. Nijer Hate Kaj Koro

9. Chol Chol Chol

10. Priyo Phul Shapla Phul

11. Dhon Dhanno Pushpo Bhora

12. Amra Shobai Raja

13. Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushe February

Recruitment Policy and Historical Context

Primary school teachers in Bangladesh are traditionally generalists, expected to teach all subjects across the board. Although general teachers receive short-term training in music, experts note that such training remains largely ineffective for those without a prior background in the arts.

To address this, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education drafted a proposal in 2020 to recruit specialised teachers. Consequently, in 2024, the Ministry of Public Administration approved the creation of 5,166 posts, divided equally between music and physical education. On 28 August of last year, the interim government issued the official gazette for the ‘Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules, 2025’, which formally recognised four categories of teachers: Head Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Assistant Teacher (Music), and Assistant Teacher (Physical Education).

This policy met with fierce opposition from leaders of various faith-based political parties and organisations. Following a series of seminars, meetings, and street demonstrations, these groups demanded the recruitment of religious teachers instead of music instructors, threatening wider agitation. In response to this pressure, the interim government amended the recruitment rules within two months, completely eliminating the specialised posts for music and physical education. Although this reversal sparked counter-protests from other civic groups, the amended framework remains in place, keeping the roles restricted to Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers.