Why Are University Students and Teachers Protesting in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
On November 6, educators and students from Dhaka University gathered to protest the elimination of music and physical education teacher positions in primary schools. This move by the interim government has sparked outrage amid concerns over cultural and educational values in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Students and teachers protested against the removal of music and PE roles.
- The interim government faced backlash for this decision.
- Cultural education plays a vital role in child development.
- Critics labeled the decision as a form of cultural fascism.
- The removal reflects a growing trend of religious extremism in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, Nov 6 (NationPress) A group of educators and students from Bangladesh's Dhaka University rallied on Thursday, advocating for the restoration of music and physical education teacher roles in primary schools, according to local media.
This demonstration was prompted by the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, which recently decided to eliminate plans for music and physical education (PE) teacher positions in government primary schools. This decision came after facing backlash from various radical Islamist groups.
Humaira Nawaz, a student from the Department of Music at Dhaka University, stated, “Music and physical education are vital for a child's development. Music is part of education worldwide because it deters crime. Today, we are not just defending the Department of Music; we are defending our nation's dignity. Why must we fight for music?”
Azizur Rahman Tuhin, an Associate Professor in the Department of Music, commented, “Throughout history, civilizations have thrived through art and culture. The removal of music and PE teacher positions is an attack on the mental and physical growth of our youth. Who benefits from this?”
At Jagannath University (JnU), music department faculty and students created a human chain at Sculpture Square to press for the reinstatement of these teaching roles.
Shamsul Alam Maruf, General Secretary of the JnU Chhatra Front, condemned the interim government's decision, calling it “cultural fascism.” He noted, “The government’s decision to eliminate these teaching posts is absurd and reflects a market-driven state that neglects cultural and intellectual advancement.”
Recently, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh released a new gazette that updated the Government Primary School Teachers Recruitment Rules 2025, excluding the previously mentioned music and PE teaching positions.
Masud Akhtar Khan, Additional Secretary of the ministry's School Division, confirmed, “The revised gazette has eliminated the positions of assistant teachers for music and PE, reducing the categories of teachers from four to two.”
After the announcement on August 28 to recruit music and PE teachers, several Islamist organizations, including Hefazat-e-Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami, and others, criticized the decision and called for its retraction.
Following the collapse of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, and the subsequent appointment of Muhammad Yunus as Chief Advisor to the interim government, Bangladesh has experienced a rise in religious extremism.
Point of View
We believe that the preservation of cultural education is vital for the holistic development of future generations. The recent decision to eliminate music and PE teacher positions raises serious questions about the values guiding our education system. We stand with the voices advocating for a balanced approach to education that includes the arts and physical well-being.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protest by Dhaka University students?
The protest was initiated in response to the interim government's decision to abolish music and physical education teacher positions in primary schools, leading to widespread concerns over cultural values.
Who led the interim government responsible for the decision?
The interim government is led by Muhammad Yunus, who took over following the collapse of the Awami League government.
What are the implications of removing music and PE teacher positions?
The removal of these positions is seen as detrimental to the holistic development of children, impacting their mental and physical growth.
Which organizations supported the protest?
Various student organizations and faculty members from Dhaka University and Jagannath University participated in the protest.
How did the government justify the removal of these positions?
The government issued a revised gazette that excluded music and PE teaching roles, citing a need to streamline the categories of teachers in primary education.
