Overview
- The interim administration canceled the planned recruitment on November 3, reversing August rules that created music and physical training posts in primary schools.
- Government briefings say a cluster model would force one specialist to cover more than 20 schools, with the secretaries’ committee calling the appointments unworkable and suggesting posts could be created later if funds allow.
- Student and faculty protests have spread from Dhaka University to Jagannath, Chittagong and Rajshahi universities, with cultural activists urging restoration of the positions.
- Critics describe the move as capitulation to Islamist groups including Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Hefazat-e-Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami, which labeled music and PT “un-Islamic.”
- Reports note earlier plans envisioned 5,166 hires initially and a possible expansion to 131,134 posts, while broader commentary links the reversal to a pattern of rollbacks under the Yunus-led interim government.