Music should be accessible for everyone, especially children: Prince Mahmud

An ongoing cultural backlash is at the forefront of the entertainment industry, as many artistes have called upon the government to reconsider its decision to abolish the posts of music and physical education teachers in government primary schools. At the forefront of this movement was Chhayanaut, which staged a demonstration at 4:30 pm yesterday to protest the decision.

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Legendary music director Prince Mahmud, however, has been outspoken about the need for music in primary schools. "I would argue that government primary schools are where we need music teachers the most," said the audibly determined musician over the phone. "Elites can afford to send their children to music schools, but most middle-class parents can't. Music should be accessible for everyone, especially children." According to the award-winning musician, it is very much possible to reach a middle ground on the issue. "I think that the government should think about making the music and PE classes optional – so in that way, students or parents who object to it don't have to attend."

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Prince Mahmud, who is known for his soul-jerking patriotic songs, had recently announced that he is making a song for Abrar Fahad and the martyrs of July. "I have forgone many commercial projects in order to focus on this project. I only begin a project once I am certain of my own preparation. Currently, I am working on seven individuals, including Abu Sayeed, Mir Mugdho, Wasim Akram, and Shaikh Yamin. I have done this for myself, not to make headlines. I have done it out of an inner drive."

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On top of that, the "Bangladesh", "Ma", and "Baba"-famed music director is also working on songs revolving around Bangladesh's liberation war. "I have been working on several new songs about the martyrs of the Liberation War – ones who lost their lives in the armed struggle, genocide, and various clashes against East Pakistan during 1971. I had made 5 songs about the martyred intellectuals who were victims of the genocide on the night of March 25, 1971, back in 2004/5. I am redoing those with a completely new sound."