Outrage in universities as Bangladesh govt scraps music, PE teachers amid Islamist pressure

Demonstrations were held by students from the music departments of Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University and Jagannath University in Dhaka, where participants formed human chains, marched, sang the national anthem and performed protest songs, The Daily Star reported.

Protesters argued that music and physical education are integral to children’s holistic development. Azizur Rahman Tuhin, a faculty member of Dhaka University’s Department of Music, said removing music education could harm the mental and physical growth of future generations.

Prof Bajlur Rashid Khan, chair of Jagannath University’s Department of Printmaking, said cultural education nurtures a healthy mind, while physical education supports physical well-being — both essential for students.

Students said the demonstrations were not driven by personal interest. “Cultural activities are part of a nation’s identity. The government should strengthen, not eliminate, music education,” Harunur Rashid, a teacher of Islamic History and Culture, told The Daily Star.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education confirmed the changes to recruitment rules earlier this week, removing the posts of assistant teachers for music and physical education. Masud Akhtar Khan, an additional secretary at the ministry, declined to comment on whether the decision followed pressure from Islamist groups.

Islamist organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish and Hefajat-e-Islam, had previously called for the removal of music teaching in schools, claiming it encouraged inappropriate behaviour.