Artists and cultural activists in Cox’s Bazar have formed a human chain to demand the reinstatement of music and physical education teachers in primary schools.
The demonstration took place on Friday (November 7) afternoon at the Cox’s Bazar Municipality premises under the banner of “Bikkhubdho Shilpibrindo” (Aggrieved Artists of Cox’s Bazar). Artists, teachers, and culture enthusiasts from across the district joined the protest.
Speakers at the event said that removing music and physical education from the primary curriculum would hinder children’s creative growth and emotional development. They termed the decision harmful not only for the education system but also for society as a whole.
Sourav Dev, General Secretary of Udichi Shilpigoshthi’s Cox’s Bazar unit, said, “People who grow up with music don’t turn to violence or crime—they become humane. To build a compassionate generation, children must be nurtured with artistic sensibility. Therefore, creative subjects like music, fine arts, and dance must remain compulsory at the primary level.”
M. Jasim Uddin, General Secretary of Khelaghar Asor, said, “Civilization stands on the foundation of art, literature, and culture. Excluding music from primary education will weaken that foundation.”
Udichi’s Treasurer, Tarpana Dey, added, “Science is essential, but so are music and physical education. Removing them will suppress children’s creativity and emotional intelligence.”
Khorshed Alam, President of Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi, warned that unless the government reinstates these teaching positions for the sake of children’s mental and moral development, the movement will intensify.
Monir Mobarak, the General Secretary of Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi, led the event. Among others, Central Youth Union President Khan Asaduzzaman Masum, District Khelaghar President Subimal Pal Panna, and Student Union organizer Md. Arif also spoke.
Artists, teachers, and cultural activists from various organizations in Cox’s Bazar attended the rally, calling for immediate policy revision to preserve creative education in the country’s primary schools.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
