Artists and cultural activists in Cox's Bazar formed a human chain today demanding music and physical education teacher posts in primary schools.

The protest was held at 4:00pm in front of the Cox's Bazar Municipality office under the banner of "Cox's Bazar-er Bikkhubdho Shilpibrindo" (Aggrieved Artists of Cox's Bazar). Local artists, teachers, and culture enthusiasts joined the event.

Speakers at the event said that dropping the plan for music and physical education teacher posts from primary schools would hinder children's creative development. They said the decision would not only harm the education system but also affect society at large.

Sourav Dev, general secretary of Udichi Shilpigoshthi Cox's Bazar, said, "To build a compassionate generation, children must be nurtured with artistic sensibilities. Subjects like music, fine arts, and dance should be made compulsory at the primary level."

Md Jasim Uddin, general secretary of the district unit of Khelaghar Ashor, said, "Civilisation stands on the foundation of art, literature, and culture. Excluding music from primary education will weaken that very foundation."

Udichi's treasurer, Tarpana Dey, said, "Just as science is important, so are music and physical education. Removing these means destroying children's creativity and sensitivity."

Khorshed Alam, president of Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi Cox's Bazar, warned that the movement would be intensified if the posts of music and physical education teachers are not included soon.

The programme, moderated by Monir Mobarak, general secretary of Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi, was also addressed by Khan Asaduzzaman Masum, president of the Central Jubo Union, Subimal Pal Panna, president of Khelaghar Cox's Bazar, and student leader Md Arif, among others.