'Next generation wouldn't believe in Islam': Extremists in Bangladesh threaten protests over music and dance in schools

File image used for representation.

Bangladesh’s education system is facing renewed pressure from fundamentalist groups opposing the government’s plan to introduce music and dance teachers in primary schools. Organisations such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Khilafat Majlis, and Bangladesh Khilafat Movement have demanded that religious teachers be recruited instead. They argue that the focus of education should be to raise children as "honest and responsible citizens".

The controversy centers on the Muhammad Yunus administration’s National Education Policy, which seeks to appoint music and dance teachers in primary schools. Several radical groups have labelled these provisions as "anti-Quranic" and expressed concerns that early exposure to music and dance could undermine religious values. One warning issued by extremist organisations stated, "Extremist organisations warned the Yunus government, stating that appointing dance and music teachers in primary schools would lead to children becoming atheists and the next generation not believing in Islam".

Fundamentalist voices insist that religious and moral education must take precedence to protect the nation’s future. As they stated, "Extremist organisations said that religious and moral education must be implemented in schools, otherwise Bangladesh will regress". Amir Syed Rezaul Karim of the Islamic Movement Bangladesh added, "Teaching music and dance would lead to the depravity of children and the next generation".

The groups have called for the removal of music and dance teachers from the curriculum and the replacement with religious instruction. They have also warned that protests could erupt on the streets if the government does not comply. "Extremists warned the Yunus administration that if religious teachers were not appointed in place of music and dance teachers in primary schools, Bangladesh would once again take to the streets", the warning read.

This debate highlights a growing divide in Bangladeshi society over the balance between cultural education and religious instruction. As the government weighs its next steps, the pressure from fundamentalist organisations continues to influence discussions on how children in Bangladesh should be educated.