Cultural organisation Chhayanaut has called on the interim government to reconsider its decision to cancel the recruitment of music and physical education (PE) teachers in primary schools.

This appeal was made on Saturday afternoon during a group musical performance held in the courtyard of Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in Dhaka.

The performance featured a selection of songs, including “Ami Marer Sagar Pari Debo”, “O Bhai Khati Shonar Cheye Khati”, and “Emon Manob Janom Ar Ki Hobe”. The event concluded with a rendition of the national anthem.

Chhayanaut has expressed its belief that music education and physical exercise are vital for the overall development of children, both mentally and physically. The organisation also emphasised that these disciplines are essential for fostering a more liberal and tolerant society.

Sarwar Ali, President of Chhayanaut, remarked, “The power of music is far stronger than speeches. That is why we have chosen music for today’s event.”

The programme was attended by Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, musicians Khairul Anam Shakil, Bulbul Islam, Kolpona Anam, Sharmin Sathi Islam, and Satyen Sen, as well as Shilpigosthi General Secretary Manzar Chowdhury and other cultural figures.

The controversy began on Sunday when the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education decided to scrap the newly-created posts for music and physical education teachers in government primary schools. This decision followed criticism from religion-based groups. Additionally, the government made several “wording changes” to the Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chief Advisor’s Office explained that the project had been marred by “flaws and inconsistencies in planning.”

In response to the government’s decision, several cultural and social organisations have launched protests, demanding the withdrawal of the decision and a full explanation of its reasoning.