Demand to cancel music teacher appointments a deliberate attempt to sow division: ASK
This kind of demand also undermines cultural rights
The demand to cancel the notification for appointing music teachers in government primary schools is a deliberate attempt to sow division and promote intolerance in society, Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has observed.
In a statement issued today (17 September), the organisation said, "The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every citizen the right to practice their own culture and engage in art and literature. The demand to cancel music teacher appointments directly opposes constitutional rights and poses a threat to our national culture."
The group also asserts that cultural and artistic education is as crucial as religious education for the holistic development of children.
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Jamaat calls for replacing music, dance teachers with religious instructors in primary schools
"It is deeply concerning that some groups are trying to undermine art and culture by advocating for the cancellation of these appointments. Such actions are not only unreasonable but also risk creating a one-dimensional society, which would weaken the very foundation of national unity and cultural diversity," it said.
Earlier on 7 September, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami urged the government to scrap plans for appointing dance teachers at primary schools and instead recruit religious instructors to ensure the younger generation grows up as honest and responsible citizens.
"Appointing music and dance teachers instead of religious instructors is completely unacceptable. Music or dance cannot be considered compulsory subjects for students. If a family has a strong interest in such activities, they can arrange private teachers themselves. But religious education is essential for all communities," Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said in a statement.
