Jamaat calls for replacing music, dance teachers with religious instructors in primary schools
Parwar noted that despite having a well-structured syllabus for Islamic and moral education, government primary schools lack specialised teachers, leaving students deprived of religious instruction.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has 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.
In a statement issued today (7 September), Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "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."
He further added, "We call upon the government and education adviser to immediately arrange the recruitment of religious teachers in every primary school, so that students can receive education based on their respective faiths and lead enlightened lives."
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Parwar noted that despite having a well-structured syllabus for Islamic and moral education, government primary schools lack specialised teachers, leaving students deprived of religious instruction.
Highlighting what he termed a "decline in social and moral values," Parwar said intolerance is increasing among students, while families, society, and the state are failing to produce honest citizens and leadership.
"Religious education fosters morality and values, forming the foundation of virtuous behaviour and building a just and disciplined society," he stated.
He also criticised the government's decision to appoint dance and music teachers at a time when, according to him, the younger generation is facing a moral crisis.
"This is a suicidal move for the nation. What is truly needed now is to build enlightened individuals with strong moral and religious values," Parwar said.
Jamaat has long been demanding the recruitment of religious teachers in primary schools, he pointed out, but instead, the government has moved to introduce teachers for music, dance, and related activities.
"We consider this a deeply regrettable and unjustified decision," the statement said.
