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STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Protests are continuing across the country against the government’s decision to cancel the recruitment of music and physical education teachers in primary schools.

In Dhaka yesterday, cultural organisations including Udichi Shilpigoshthi and Chhayanaut staged programmes condemning the decision and announced further demonstrations.

At a press conference at Jatiya Press Club, Udichi Shilpigoshthi announced a two-week nationwide protest programme.

In a written statement, the organisation’s general secretary Amit Ranjan Dey said the cancellation was part of a “far-reaching, politically motivated conspiracy” to remove fine arts, music, dance, and theatre from the curriculum.

He described the decision as “suicidal” and driven by “communal and politically narrow motives.”

The protest programme will include cultural assemblies, human chains, and musical processions organised by Udichi’s district and branch committees in association with progressive organisations, starting today.

Central activities will include submitting a memorandum to the education ministry, holding roundtable discussions, and releasing statements from prominent citizens.

Meanwhile, another faction of Udichi announced a separate protest titled “From Udichi to Jamuna” -- a musical procession.

According to a press release by Udichi’s publicity secretary Manjur Morshed Milton, the procession will begin at 4:00pm today from the organisation’s central office on Topkhana Road and march towards the chief adviser’s residence at Jamuna.

Cultural organisation Chhayanaut also staged a musical demonstration yesterday in front of its Shankar bus stand cultural centre in the capital, where around 700 to 800 artists, students, and well-wishers took part.

The event featured collective renditions of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Lalon Geeti, and the national anthem.

Chhayanaut President Dr Sarwar Ali said, “We believe music is stronger than speeches -- that is why today’s event was organised through music.”

“For the physical and mental development of children, and for building a humane, liberal, and tolerant society, the practice of music and physical exercise is essential,” he added.

In Gazipur, over 50 activists from Udichi’s Gazipur and Kapasia branches held a protest in front of the Satyen Sen Sangeet Academy.

At an event at the Central Shaheed Minar yesterday, the musical group Samogeet along with artists and cultural activists, also expressed solidarity.

On August 28, the government published the Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules 2025, which included the posts of music and physical education teachers.

Several religion-based groups opposed the move, demanding the recruitment of religious instructors instead.

The government later issued a revised gazette on November 2, scrapping the proposed posts.