The government has withdrawn its decision to recruit music and physical education teachers in primary schools, shelving a plan once praised as a step toward more holistic learning.
An amended gazette issued Sunday by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education removed the newly created posts of “Assistant Teacher (Music)” and “Assistant Teacher (Physical Education),” which had been introduced just over two months ago under the Government Primary School Teachers Recruitment Rules 2025.
The August 28 circular had proposed over 5,000 such posts nationwide—half in music and half in physical education—to promote creativity and physical well-being alongside academics.
However, the move faced strong opposition from Islamist parties and clerical groups, including Hefazat-e-Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami, who called the plan “anti-Islamic” and demanded its cancellation. Hefazat even threatened protests, arguing that teaching music contradicted Islamic values.
Cultural and rights groups, including Udichi Shilpigoshthi and Ain o Salish Kendra, defended the policy as constitutional and essential for children’s emotional and social development. They warned that equating music with immorality undermines Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage.
Despite such support, the ministry quietly reversed its stance through the November 2 gazette, citing “administrative reasons.” Officials refused to say whether religious opposition influenced the change.
Educationists and rights activists have criticized the rollback as a setback for inclusive education. “Music and physical training aren’t luxuries—they’re vital to children’s growth,” said one Dhaka University educationist. “Backing down sends the wrong message about the kind of future we want.”
Observers say the decision highlights how vulnerable Bangladesh’s education policy remains to religious and political pressure.
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