Teachers and students of Dhaka University’s Music Department staged a protest rally on the campus on Wednesday, demanding reinstatement of music and physical-training teacher posts in primary education.

The demonstration took place in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture where participants sang the national anthem and raised placards calling for the withdrawal of the decision to abolish the posts.

During the event, a memorandum was read out by Dr. Priyanka Gope, Chairperson of the Music Department.

Teachers from various departments including Dance Department’s Laboni Banya and Clinical Psychology Department’s Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury along with some  students spoke at the rally.

Leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) including Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary Mosaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad and cultural affairs secretaries from different halls also expressed solidarity with the protesters.

Associate Professor Azizur Rahman of the Music Department said civilization thrives through art, literature, and culture.

“ The decision to abolish music teacher posts at the primary level will obstruct the mental and physical development of future generations,” he said.

“If we want our children to become complete human beings, can we do that without music, culture, and physical education?” he asked.

Times Higher Edu Ranking: Dhaka University climbs 200 places

DUCSU Executive Member Hema Chakma alleged that the decision to remove music and physical education from the curriculum came under pressure from certain groups.

She urged the interim government to reinstate the positions immediately.

Professor Dr. Md Israfil of the Theatre and Performance Studies Department said, “If an order can be given, it can also be withdrawn. A nation cannot progress based on religion alone, culture never stands against religion.”