In a surprising policy reversal, the Government of Bangladesh has withdrawn its earlier decision to introduce music and physical education (PE) teachers in government primary schools, effectively ending what many viewed as a long-overdue reform in the education sector.
The revised gazette, issued on Sunday (November 2) by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, removed the two newly created positions — “Assistant Teacher (Music)” and “Assistant Teacher (Physical Education)” — which had been approved just two months earlier under the Government Primary School Teachers Recruitment Rules 2025.
🏫 The Reform That Could Have Changed Classrooms
The original gazette, published on August 28, had opened up over 5,000 specialized posts across Bangladesh — half for music teachers and half for physical education teachers.
This initiative was seen as a step toward holistic education, aligning with the National Education Policy, which emphasizes children’s emotional, creative, and physical development through arts, culture, and sports.
At the time, officials described it as an effort to nurture discipline, creativity, and empathy in young learners — vital aspects of a well-rounded education system.
⚔️ Religious Pushback and Political Pressure
Soon after the announcement, several Islamist groups, including Hefazat-e-Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami, protested against the recruitment of music teachers, branding the move as “anti-Islamic.”
Street protests, sermons, and online campaigns demanded that the government replace music positions with “Assistant Teacher (Islamic Education)” posts.
At a Dhaka seminar on September 16, Islamist leaders openly declared that they would not tolerate the appointment of music teachers.
“You want to appoint music teachers? We will never tolerate that. Appoint religion teachers instead,” said Syed Rezaul Karim, known as the Charmonai Pir.
🎭 Cultural and Rights Groups Defend the Decision
On the other side, cultural organizations and rights groups strongly defended the original recruitment plan.
Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi called the initiative “a progressive step that reflects Bangladesh’s cultural heritage,” while Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) stated that denying music education “violates children’s right to cultural participation.”
They argued that music is not against religion, but rather a form of expression that has historically been part of Bangladesh’s national identity — from the Language Movement to the Liberation War.
📜 The Quiet Rollback
Despite strong support from cultural sectors, the ministry issued a revised gazette on November 2, quietly scrapping both the music and PE teacher posts.
Masud Akhtar Khan, Additional Secretary of the Schools Division, confirmed that “only the general assistant teacher positions remain.”
When asked if the reversal was due to religious pressure, officials avoided direct comment — though insiders admitted the decision aimed to avoid political tension.
💬 Reactions from Educators and Rights Activists
Educators and rights defenders described the move as a setback for inclusive and balanced education.
“Music and physical training aren’t luxuries; they’re essential for children’s development,” said a Dhaka University educationist.
Many fear that yielding to such pressure may embolden future attacks on arts, cultural studies, and civic education.
“Today it’s music; tomorrow it could be art, history, or science,” warned one rights activist.
📊 Key Facts at a Glance
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Cancelled Posts | Assistant Teacher (Music), Assistant Teacher (Physical Education) |
| Original Gazette | August 28, 2025 |
| Withdrawal Gazette | November 2, 2025 |
| Total Planned Posts | 5,000+ (Half in Music, Half in PE) |
| Main Opposition | Hefazat-e-Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami |
| Supporters | Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Primary and Mass Education |
🌐 Stay Updated on Education & Recruitment News
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Government education circulars
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Primary & Secondary teacher recruitment updates
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Board exam results and policy news
📍 Conclusion
The government’s decision to scrap music and PE teacher posts reflects the growing tension between modern educational reform and religious conservatism in Bangladesh.
While the ministry described the rollback as an administrative change, observers view it as a retreat from cultural inclusivity and holistic learning — a missed opportunity to make classrooms more creative and balanced.
Stay tuned to BD Result Online for continuous coverage of Bangladesh education policy, recruitment news, and school admission updates.
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