Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad has strongly opposed the government’s initiative to make music, dance, drama, and fine arts compulsory in the primary school curriculum. In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, he called for the cancellation of the plan, arguing that it disregards the religious values, family culture, and social realities of the country’s Muslim-majority population.

Ahmad stated that the main goal of education should be to build morally upright, responsible, and patriotic citizens, not to impose controversial cultural practices. He pointed out that the primary education system still faces teacher shortages, infrastructural weaknesses, and quality challenges, and that introducing new subjects could divert attention from these fundamental issues.

He emphasized that moral and religious education should be prioritized to ensure children’s holistic development. Ahmad urged the government to respect public religious sentiments and cultural identity when formulating education policy and called on parents, scholars, educators, and social organizations to remain vigilant and vocal on the issue.