The National Movement to Protect Education and Culture has strongly protested against the recent decision to cancel the appointment of music and physical education teachers in primary schools. A joint statement has been issued by 80 distinguished citizens, educators, cultural activists, artists, theatre personalities, filmmakers, and student leaders in support of the movement.
The protest was initiated on 19 November 2023, with a statement sent by the convenor of the movement, Mahmood Selim. The statement highlighted that the interim government had issued a notification on 28 August 2023 for the appointment of music and physical education teachers in primary schools. However, on 2 November 2023, that notification was reversed. Protesters have described this decision as detrimental to the holistic development of children, going against the views of educationalists and psychologists.
The National Movement to Protect Education and Culture has labelled the decision as an obstacle to building a physically and mentally healthy nation and a conspiracy against creating a creative generation. Mahmood Selim, the convenor of the movement, emphasised that primary education is not just about rote learning of textbooks but forms the foundation for a child’s moral, cultural, and mental development. Music and physical education provide children with essential lessons in aesthetics, tolerance, discipline, and teamwork.
In today’s digital age, where children are often glued to screens, music and physical education can serve as crucial tools for enhancing creativity and focus. Including these subjects in education will not only benefit children’s growth but also play a significant role in shaping a progressive society.
The statement also mentioned the involvement of Bangladesh’s major cultural and educational organisations, such as Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha, Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad, Bangladesh Baul and Folk Artists Association, Central Khelaghor Asor, Prachyanaat, Bulbul Lalitkala Academy, and Bangladesh Chhatra Union.
They have called for the immediate reinstatement of the cancelled notification and for the assurance that music, visual arts, and physical education teachers will be appointed in every primary and secondary school in the country. Moreover, these subjects should be made compulsory in the curriculum.