Cancellation of music, physical teachers in primary is suicidal decision by govt: Udichi Shilpigoshthi

Udichi Shilpigoshthi has termed the government’s decision to cancel the recruitment of music and physical education teachers in primary schools as a “suicidal” move. The organisation believes that this decision may foster communal attitudes among students. They have announced a fortnight-long nationwide protest programme.

The demand was made on Saturday at a press conference held at the Maulana Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club. Present were Udichi President, freedom fighter and Ekushey Padak-winning cultural personality Mahmud Selim, General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey, and members Manjar Hossain, Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, Sujit Mostafa, Mahadev Ghosh, Tushar Chandra and Dr Mokbul Hossain.

Mahmud Selim said, “Certain groups in the country are spreading lies and hypocrisy in the name of religion. They are trying to pit religion against culture. We will not allow that to happen.”

In a written statement, General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey said, “Cancelling music and physical education teachers at the primary level is part of a far-reaching, conspiratorial political decision. We have learned that there are also plans to remove fine arts, dance and music from the curriculum in future. This is suicidal and an example of communal political narrow-mindedness.”

Speakers added, “A fundamentalist group is trying to impose its likes and dislikes on everyone. This is impossible in Bangladesh. The country’s freedom was earned through the Liberation War, and the path of cultural development cannot be closed. We cannot accept threats to stop singing songs of Rabindra, Nazrul or Lalon. Even seasonal cultural events are being obstructed now.”

In response to a journalist’s question, the Udichi president said, “Despite the presence of religious and Arabic studies in schools, some fanatic groups are claiming there are no religious teachers, while there are no music or physical education teachers. This is completely contradictory, and we strongly protest it.”

The general secretary of Udichi said that as part of the fortnight-long programme, all district and branch units will organise cultural gatherings, human chains and musical processions. Centrally, the organisation will submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Education, hold roundtable discussions, and release statements from prominent figures opposing the government’s decision.