Naripokkho welcomes govt move to appoint music teachers in primary schools
It stresses that music does not conflict with religion, nor does it make anyone religious or non-religious
Women's rights organisation Naripokkho has expressed strong support for the government's recent decision to appoint music teachers in all primary schools across the country.
On the other hand, several Islamic groups are campaigning against the initiative, demanding that the notification be cancelled and religious teachers be appointed instead. They have threatened to take to the streets, calling the decision a conspiracy to make future generations "Islamophobic" and arguing that religion must come before culture.
The rights group, however, rejects these claims.
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In a statement issued today (20 September), the organisation stresses that music does not conflict with religion, nor does it make anyone religious or non-religious.
"Music is not a 'subculture'; rather, it fosters sensitivity, broadens the mind, and encourages humanity. By overcoming narrowness and cruelty, music plays a vital role in the positive mental and emotional development of children," reads the statement.
Jamaat calls for replacing music, dance teachers with religious instructors in primary schools
The group also pointed out that music education is part of the primary school curriculum in many Muslim-majority countries - including Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE, and Qatar - without making children hostile to religion or culture.
For these reasons, the rights group has welcomed the government's initiative and urged authorities not to bow to misinformation or pressure.
They further assured full cooperation in helping to implement the decision successfully.
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.
