Government plans interim solution for primary music teacher shortage

The issue of music teachers in government primary schools has re-emerged amid evolving curriculum plans and ongoing policy adjustments. During the tenure of the previous interim government, recruitment provisions for music and physical education teachers were incorporated into the recruitment rules for government primary schools. However, following opposition, those provisions were withdrawn within two months through an amendment, effectively halting the planned recruitment of dedicated music teachers.

The current government is preparing to introduce curriculum changes from the next academic year. Under the revised structure, “Culture” and “Sports” will be added as subjects in Grade IV. In addition, from Grade VI, “Learning with Happiness” and “Technical and Vocational Education” are planned to be made compulsory subjects.

Interim arrangements for music education

In the absence of sufficient music teachers, the government has formulated a temporary arrangement. According to this plan, teachers under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will be engaged in a cluster-based system at the upazila level to support music education activities in primary schools. At the same time, initiatives related to Quran recitation competitions, music competitions, and programmes on ethics and family values are being undertaken.

The Minister for Primary and Mass Education and Education, ANM Ehsaunul Haque Milon, stated in response to journalists’ questions at the Secretariat that arrangements are being made for both Quran recitation and music competitions, alongside coordinated work on ethics and family values.

He further explained that due to the shortage of music teachers, cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is being pursued. Teachers under that ministry will be deployed in clusters at the upazila level. He also noted that institutions such as the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs may assist in the future, and that universities are gradually opening departments in culture and music, from where teachers may eventually be recruited.

The minister also clarified that reports suggesting that the Cabinet had declined approval for music teacher recruitment were incorrect, stating that no such discussion took place in Cabinet meetings.

Curriculum and assessment structure

According to the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), there are no separate textbooks or formal examinations for music in grades one to five. However, students are assessed annually by teachers based on guidelines provided in teacher manuals.

The guidelines state that learning prescribed songs helps develop students’ understanding of national history and heritage, appreciation for the mother tongue, awareness of the Liberation War, respect for labour, and a sense of global fraternity. It is also stated that such learning contributes to increased enrolment and reduced dropout rates.

A total of 13 songs have been included at the primary level. These include national and thematic songs such as the national anthem, songs related to nature, the Liberation War, education, and cultural heritage.

List of songs included in primary curriculum

Teachers are provided with training on these subjects. However, stakeholders have noted that short-term training may not be fully effective for teachers who have no prior background in music education.

Recruitment policy developments

In 2020, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education prepared a proposal for recruiting separate teachers for music and physical education in government primary schools. Based on this, the Ministry of Public Administration in 2024 approved a proposal for a total of 5,166 posts, including 2,583 music teachers and 2,583 physical education teachers.

On 28 August of the previous year, the interim government issued the “Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules, 2025”, which initially included provisions for appointing music and physical education teachers. However, following demands from several religion-based political organisations calling for religious teachers instead of music teachers, and threats of protest, the rules were amended within two months. The amended rules removed provisions for music and physical education teacher recruitment, retaining only head teachers and assistant teachers.

Current structure of primary education

According to the Directorate of Primary Education, there are more than 65,000 government primary schools in Bangladesh, with approximately 10.6 million students and around 375,000 teachers. Primary education runs from Grade I to V. There is no subject-specific teacher system; teachers are responsible for all subjects. However, around 20 per cent of posts are currently filled by graduates in science-related disciplines.