Hifazat demands end of music teacher recruitment, calls for hiring religion teachers instead

The madrasa-based group claims primary schools provide sub-par education compared to madrasas in the country

Hifazat-e Islam has branded the government’s decision to recruit music teachers at the primary level as part of an “anti-Islam agenda” and demanded that the gazette be scrapped in favour of appointing religious studies teachers.

The Qawmi madrasa-based group argued that such a policy would create employment opportunities for madrasa-educated individuals.

In a joint statement, Hifazat chief Allama Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman warned of a mass movement if the government failed to revoke the gazette and introduce one recruiting religion teachers.

“The recently published gazette by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, which recruits music teachers instead of religion teachers, promotes an anti-Islam agenda. We will not accept any such agenda in the education system,” the statement read.

The Hifazat leaders added, “Islam prohibits the use of musical instruments, and music is not part of basic education. In a Muslim-majority country like Bangladesh, no government has the right to impose music education on children without the consent of Muslim parents.”

The statement called for unity among the Muslim population to safeguard the Islamic values and faith of children.

Questioning the quality of primary education, the Hifazat leaders said: “Students in government primary schools are so weak in core subjects like Bangla, Mathematics and English that many parents are turning away from schools and enrolling their children in madrasas.”

“Instead of appointing music teachers, the government should recruit competent and qualified teachers to improve standards in basic education, including religious education.”

Referring to the “sacrifice of countless madrasa students and religious scholars in the July Uprising”, Hefazat said the government should ensure the employment of madrasa-educated people as a mark of respect for their contribution to the country’s “independence, sovereignty, Islamic values and the honour of the Prophet (SM)”.

The group expressed hope that the government would swiftly replace the music teacher recruitment rules with provisions for religion teachers.

“We do not want any confrontations to arise between Islamic scholars and the interim government,” the statement said.