Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has condemned the government’s decision to cancel the recruitment of music and physical education teachers in government primary schools.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, HRFB called the move a “self-destructive and submissive act” that undermines the country’s humanistic and cultural values.
The organisation said the move not only contradicts the spirit of inclusive education but also threatens professional freedom, creative thinking and the holistic development of children.
The forum referred to recent media reports stating that the government amended the Primary Teacher Recruitment Rules and cancelled the circular that had planned to appoint music and physical education teachers across 2,500 clusters.
According to the ministry’s clarification, the decision followed recommendations from the Secretary Committee, which argued that appointing such a limited number of teachers would not yield meaningful results and might create inequality among schools.
The committee further said due to financial constraints and the large number of existing schools – 65,569 across the country – the plan was not currently feasible, though similar posts could be considered later when funds allow.
HRFB rejected the explanation, describing it as an attempt to conceal the real reason behind the reversal.
The forum claimed that after the Primary Teacher Recruitment Rules 2025 were issued on 28 August, everal political and ideological groups began demanding the replacement of music teachers with “religious teachers” and threatened to launch protests if their demand was ignored.
“In this context, the government’s sudden decision clearly shows that it has bowed to pressure from sectarian forces, abandoning its policy stance,” the forum said.
HRFB said the government should have explored phased implementation of the plan instead of surrendering to pressure groups.
The cancellation, it added, sets a “dangerous precedent” for a democratic and pluralistic nation by removing two subjects vital to children’s creative and physical development.
The forum urged the government to immediately reconsider the decision and reinstate the provision for appointing music and physical education teachers in primary schools.
It also called on the authorities to ensure that no vested group is allowed to influence or dictate future education policies in Bangladesh.
