Rally Calls for Reinstatement of Music Teachers

A large-scale rally and human chain were held today at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar, demanding the reinstatement of appointments for music and physical education teachers in primary schools. Organised by the National Education and Cultural Preservation Movement, the demonstration highlighted concerns over the recent policy reversal, which activists describe as a threat to children’s holistic education.

The rally opened with a powerful rendition of the national anthem, performed collectively by artists from multiple cultural organisations. Amit Ranjan De, General Secretary of Udaye Central Council (faction), delivered a welcoming address, underlining the importance of integrating arts and physical education into the foundational stages of schooling.

Chairing the discussion, Mahmud Selim, convener of the National Education and Cultural Preservation Movement, emphasised that music and physical education nurture creativity, physical fitness, and emotional intelligence. Speakers noted that the decision to cancel teacher appointments was allegedly influenced by pressure from a group lobbying for religious teacher appointments, despite existing staffing. They criticised this as politically and ideologically motivated, rather than prioritising children’s educational needs.

Experts stressed that compulsory music and physical education foster not only academic success but also social cohesion, cultural awareness, and moral development. The session featured notable educationists, student leaders, and cultural figures, including Bangladesh Chhatra Union president Mahir Shahriar Reza, Central Sports Council general secretary Pronoy Saha, music organiser Mahadev Ghosh, Rabindra Sangeet Artists Association president Mokbul Hossain, teachers’ association vice-president Azizur Rahman, Central Sports Council member Abu Saeed, and renowned poet-journalist Aktar Hossain. The event was moderated by Sangita Imam, deputy general secretary of Udaye Central Council.

The organisers concluded by urging the government to reinstate the appointments, emphasising that safeguarding music and physical education is essential for nurturing well-rounded, culturally aware, and resilient future generations.