by Zahida Parvez Chhanda (Dhaka Bureau)
A new horizon is opening for the artistic and mental development of children at the primary level in Bangladesh. After prolonged debate and administrative tension, the new government- which assumed power following the February 12, 2026, elections, has decided to resume the suspended recruitment process for music teachers in primary schools. This initiative had previously been cancelled during the tenure of the former interim government.
However, this recruitment will not follow traditional methods; instead, it will be implemented through an innovative ‘Cluster-based’ model.
According to the new government’s strategy, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will be responsible for the selection and recruitment of music teachers. However, their salaries and other benefits will be provided by the Ministry of Education.
* Initial Target: A proposal has been made to recruit 2,583 music instructors.
* The Cluster Model: One teacher will be responsible for a specific ‘cluster’ consisting of 20-25 schools. Following a set routine, the instructor will visit different schools on specific days of the week to provide musical training to students.
In August 2025, the interim government initially moved to create separate posts for Music and Physical Education by amending the 2019 Recruitment Rules. However, within a few months, the government backtracked due to pressure from religious organizations and objections from the Secretary Committee. Their argument was that recruiting a limited number of teachers would create inequality within the education system. This reversal left the employment of approximately 131,000 candidates in limbo, sparking intense resentment among artists and cultural activists nationwide.
The ‘National Movement for the Protection of Education and Culture’- a coalition of 23 organizations, including Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi, Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha, and the Student Union- fought a long battle to reinstate these positions. Their persistent pressure, ranging from rallies at the Central Shaheed Minar to the submission of memorandums, has culminated in this victory for the cultural movement.
The Minister of Education and Primary & Mass Education, Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milan, confirmed this strategic recruitment, stating- ‘Due to a lack of sufficient qualified candidates and strategic reasons, this recruitment has been finalized through the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. One teacher will sequentially perform duties in various schools under a single cluster.’
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Bobby Hajjaj, echoed this sentiment, clarifying that this special recruitment process will indeed be implemented through the Cultural Affairs Ministry.
In addition to music, the government has signaled major changes to promote moral education. The Education Minister informed the National Parliament that a plan to recruit nearly 9,000 religious teachers is underway to curb moral degradation in society. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has directed the implementation of a ‘180-Day Special Program’ to overhaul the primary education system.
While the deadlock over music teachers has been broken, the status of Physical Education posts remains uncertain. Although cultural organizations continue to demand the reinstatement of these positions, the government has yet to reach a final decision. Additionally, public concern persists regarding how effective a single instructor can be when tasked with managing 20 to 25 different schools.
The new government’s ‘Cluster’ method serves as a middle ground to resolve the stalemate regarding the inclusion of arts and culture in Bangladesh’s primary education. Whether this is merely a temporary fix or a long-term transformation of the education system remains to be seen.
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The Author:
Zahida Parvez Chhanda: Senior journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
