Bangladesh Cancels Recruitment of Music Teachers in Primary Schools
In August, the ministry responsible for primary education announced plans to recruit music teachers. However, the interim government has now reversed this decision.
Government Reversal After Islamist Opposition
Bangladesh withdrew its plan to hire music teachers following intense backlash from Islamist groups in the predominantly Muslim nation. A senior ministry official told AFP on condition of anonymity,
“The government has scrapped the decision and issued an order. Both the music and physical education posts have now been dropped.”
The government has yet to issue any public comments regarding this change.
Opposition from Islamist Groups
The withdrawal comes after protests led by Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, and other religious organizations opposing music in school programs. Mia Golam Parwar, a senior figure in Jamaat, criticized the move, saying it was unacceptable to hire music and dance teachers without adding religious instructors.
“Imposing music and dance is a conspiratorial move and goes against Islam,”
said Sajidur Rahman, a prominent leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, an influential coalition of political parties, organizations, and religious schools.
Context of the Controversy
- The initial plan aimed to recruit teachers for both music and physical education in primary schools.
- Islamist groups strongly opposed including music in the curriculum, arguing it conflicts with Islamic teachings.
- The government decision was quietly reversed without public explanation.
Author’s summary: Bangladesh reversed its plan to hire music teachers amid protests by Islamist groups, reflecting ongoing tensions over cultural education in Muslim-majority societies.