Govt move to recruit music teachers in pry schools angers Azhari

Islamic orator Mizanur Rahman Azhari has sharply criticised the government’s decision to recruit music and fine arts teachers in primary schools, saying the move ignores long-standing demands for Islamic education instructors.

The government on August 28 issued a gazette on the Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules 2025, creating two new posts – Assistant Teacher (Music) and Assistant Teacher (Fine Arts). However, the demand for the post of Assistant Teacher (Islamic Education), raised for years by madrasa graduates and sections of the public, was left out.

Reacting to the decision, Azhari wrote in a Facebook post at 2:49pm on Thursday (September 4) that the policy was “indiscriminate” and “against the public’s wishes.”

“We are observing with deep concern the government has announced the appointment of music teachers in primary schools, ignoring the long-standing demands of parents. We strongly condemn this indiscriminate decision,” he said.

In his statement, Azhari added: “In this Muslim-majority country, there are no specialised religious teachers for Islamic education at the primary level. This is very sad. However, the appointment of dedicated teachers with a focus on subjects like music is clearly against the public’s wishes. We want the security of our children’s faith and values.”

Azhari further argued that the appointment of music teachers instead of Islamic education teachers runs counter to the aspirations of the majority, and renewed calls for the creation of the post of Assistant Teacher (Islamic Education) in government primary schools.