Teachers and students of Dhaka University's (DU) Department of Music have staged a demonstration demanding the reinstatement of music and physical education teacher positions in primary education. The demonstration began at 11:30 am on Thursday (November 6) in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture on the campus, with participants singing the national anthem.
During the programme, a memorandum was read out by Dr Priyanka Gope, chairperson of the Department of Music.
Among others, Dance Department teacher Laboni Banna, Clinical Psychology Department teacher Kamal Chowdhury, and several students spoke at the event.
Leaders from the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), including the Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary and cultural secretaries from various residential halls, also expressed solidarity. Farzana Wahid Shayan, a renowned singer, also joined the protest in support.
Azizur Rahman Tuhin, teacher of the Music Department, said that civilisation survives through art, literature, and culture. "The decision to abolish the posts of music teachers at the primary level will hinder the mental and physical development of future generations," he warned.
"If we want our children to grow into complete human beings, can we do that without teaching them music, culture, and physical education?" he asked.
Farzana Wahid Shayan said, "Once, we used to sing protest songs; now, singing itself has become an act of protest. There's a group trying to pit music against religion. Don't fall into that trap, respond with songs, with art."
DUCSU executive member Hema Chakma said media reports show that the decision to remove music and physical education was made under pressure from certain groups. She criticised the decision and urged the interim government to reinstall the teachers.
Theatre and Performance Studies teacher Israfil Shahin said, "If an order was given, it can also be withdrawn. A nation cannot progress on religion alone. Culture never stands against religion."
Humayra Upanyas, cultural affairs secretary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall, said, "Music is often treated merely as entertainment, but it is also an academic discipline. Sadly, many policymakers fail to understand its importance. Music and physical education are essential for nurturing children into healthy, well-rounded individuals."
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