Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi has announced a fortnight-long protest programme across the country, opposing the government's decision to cancel the recruitment of music and physical education teachers in primary schools. The announcement came during a press conference held at 11 am on Saturday, November 8, at the Maulana Mohammad Akram Khan Auditorium of the National Press Club. The declaration was made by Udichi Central Committee's General Secretary, Amit Ranjan Dey. Alongside Udichi leaders, representatives of other like-minded progressive cultural and social organisations were also present.

In his written statement, Amit Ranjan Dey said, "The cancellation of teacher recruitment in music and physical education is part of a far-reaching and conspiratorial political decision. There is an ongoing plot to remove fine arts, music, dance, and drama from the curriculum as well. Udichi believes these decisions are self-destructive and stem from communal and politically narrow motives."

The written statement further read, "Both the National Education Policy and the National Curriculum recognise physical and music education as essential for the mental and human development of children. Throughout history — from the ancient teacher-centred education of Bengal's Tol and Chatushpath to the modern Western education system — physical education has always been part of the curriculum. The National Education Policy also considers music education an integral part of learning. Therefore, the recruitment of teachers in these two subjects cannot be deemed redundant."

Amit Ranjan Dey added, "Udichi believes that the current socio-economic context is pushing primary-level students in Bangladesh towards frustration and chaos. The only way to protect the new generation from this is by nurturing their creativity, physical well-being, and humanity. This vital humanistic task can be accomplished by teachers of physical education and the arts — who are, therefore, indispensable within the education system. Udichi strongly demands that the government withdraw this unauthorised and self-destructive decision. At the same time, we express our commitment to forming a broader unity with other cultural organisations and artistes."

To resist the conspiracy to raise children with communal tendencies, Udichi's General Secretary announced a nationwide fortnight-long programme. During this period, in collaboration with other like-minded progressive social and cultural organisations, Udichi's district and branch committees will organise protest-oriented cultural assemblies, human chains, and musical processions. In addition, the central committee will submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Education, arrange roundtable discussions, and release statements from eminent personalities.

The press conference was presided over by Udichi Central Committee's Acting President, Mahmud Selim. Among others, speakers included Dr Mokbul Hossain, President of the Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha; Mahadev Ghosh, Joint General Secretary of the Coordinating Council of Music Organisations; Sujit Mustafa, President of the Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad; Kamaruzzaman Bhuiyan, Vice-President of Charan Cultural Centre; Manzar Chowdhury Sweet, Joint Secretary of the Ganasangeet Coordinating Council; Naim Hasan Suja from the Nabanno Festival Celebration Committee; and Tushar Chandan, General Secretary of the Art Schools Alliance.

The event was conducted by Udichi Central Committee's Joint General Secretary, Sangeeta Imam.