Bangladesh: Islamist group warns of mass protests if music teachers are not replaced with Islamic studies instructors

Image: Jihad Watch

Hifazat-e-Islam has strongly criticized the government’s recent decision to recruit music teachers at the primary school level, labeling it as part of an “anti-Islam agenda.” The influential Qawmi madrasa-based group demanded that the gazette notification be withdrawn immediately and replaced with provisions for appointing religious studies teachers instead.

According to Hifazat leaders, such a move is not only a violation of Islamic principles but also a disregard for the cultural and religious values of the majority population. They argued that prioritizing music education over religious education undermines the moral foundation of young children. Moreover, the group emphasized that introducing religion teachers would create much-needed employment opportunities for graduates of madrasas, who are currently struggling for recognition in mainstream education and government services.

In a joint statement, Hifazat chief Allama Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman issued a stern warning to the authorities. They stated that if the government fails to revoke the gazette and introduce one focused on recruiting religion teachers, the organization would be compelled to launch a large-scale mass movement. “The recently published gazette by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, which seeks to recruit music teachers instead of religion teachers, is a direct attack on Islamic values. We will never accept any such anti-Islam agenda within the education system,” the statement declared.

The Hifazat leadership further elaborated that Islam strictly prohibits the use of musical instruments, and therefore music has no place in basic education. They stressed that in a Muslim-majority country like Bangladesh, it is unacceptable for the government to impose music education on children without respecting the will of Muslim parents. “Instead of allocating resources to music teachers, the government should focus on recruiting competent and qualified educators in religious studies and other essential subjects to strengthen the quality of primary education,” they added.

Concluding their statement, the group expressed cautious optimism that the government would respond sensibly to their demand. They urged the authorities to immediately amend the recruitment rules by replacing music teachers with religion teachers. At the same time, they issued a reminder that Hifazat does not seek confrontation with the interim government but warned that ignoring the concerns of Islamic scholars and religious communities could lead to widespread unrest.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)