Bangladeshi Muslim leaders protest teaching music in schools, demand Qur’an lesson

Some Muslim leaders in Bangladesh have rejected a move by the government to hire music teachers in public primary schools, insisting that Islamic religion teachers be appointed in their place. The National Ulama MashayekhAimma Parishad, a council of Muslim scholars and religious leaders, made the demand during a national seminar held at the Institution of […]

Some Muslim leaders in Bangladesh have rejected a move by the government to hire music teachers in public primary schools, insisting that Islamic religion teachers be appointed in their place.

The National Ulama MashayekhAimma Parishad, a council of Muslim scholars and religious leaders, made the demand during a national seminar held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) in Dhaka.

Various Islamic parties and organisations represented at the event said street protests would be held today to drive home their demands.

Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, Ameer of the Islamic Movement of Bangladesh, criticised the government’s move.

• Boat mishap: Sokoto gov’t distributes motorised boats, lifejackets to riverine communities
• FG gets 5yr livestock master plan

“What is the government trying to imply by appointing music teachers?” he asked. “The circular must be cancelled immediately, and religious teachers must be appointed.”

Others have framed the issue as a threat to Islamic identity. Jalaluddin, secretary general of the Khilafat Majlis, denounced a “conspiracy to make the future generation Islamophobic.” Maulana Nurul Huda Faizi, president of Ulama MashayekhAimma Parishad, added: “We must eradicate negative culture. The shortage of religious teachers in schools must be eliminated.”

The debate intensified following the remarks of Maulana Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Nayeb Ameer of the Bangladesh Khilafat Movement, who spoke at a rally on 12 September. “Ninety percent of students in primary schools are from Muslim families,” he said. “They cannot read the Qur’an or perform prayers correctly. The government must take responsibility for teaching the Qur’an. The state cannot use public funds to promote dance and singing.”

The Muslim leader also opposed the appointment of transgender teachers, calling it part of an “Islamophobic decision”.

These demands have not gone unchallenged, drawing strong criticism from civil society groups and the country’s secular community. (Asia News)