Students at Jahangirnagar University (JU) took part in a “Gaaner Michhil” (musical procession) on campus this evening to protest the government’s recent decision to cancel plans for music and physical education teacher posts in primary schools.
The procession, organised under the banner “Konthomuktir Gaan” (Song of Freedom), began at the university’s Shaheed Minar and made its way to the new Arts Building, where students held a short rally.
The protesters not only opposed the government’s decision but also raised concerns about various social issues, including gender-based violence, attacks on workers, and assaults on individuals from different religious and ethnic communities.
Durbar Adi, a second-year student of Archaeology, expressed his dismay at the government’s actions. “This decision, coupled with recent events like the suspension of cultural festivals, attacks on religious shrines, and attempts to rename the Mongol Shobhajatra, is indicative of a growing intolerance that threatens our cultural harmony and the rights of our citizens,” he said.
Adi further emphasised the importance of culture in the country’s history, adding, “Culture has always been our strongest weapon, from the Liberation War of 1971 to the 2024 people’s uprising. Any attack on our cultural heritage is an attack on our very existence. Through our songs today, we call for unity against all forms of oppression, including the ongoing genocides in Sudan and Palestine.”
Adrita Roy, a second-year Drama and Dramatics student, also joined the protest and criticised the interim government’s stance. “Instead of protecting constitutional rights, the interim government is emboldening reactionary forces,” she said.
The musical procession aimed to not only highlight the issue at hand but also to showcase the students’ commitment to defending cultural and democratic rights, in the face of increasing societal challenges.