Shilpakala Academy brought together leaders from music schools, colleges and cultural groups for a national dialogue focused on strengthening music education across the country, and the meeting opened with a clear call to support teachers, students and local programmes. The session was chaired by the Director of the Music, Dance and Recitation Department and the Secretary of the academy attended as chief guest, while directors of production and training also addressed the group. Representatives from government, private and other music institutions joined from both Dhaka and divisional levels to share practical ideas and real challenges. The discussion began with a focus on how to spread music teaching beyond major cities so more children can learn to sing and play instruments close to home. Participants highlighted the need for steady support for schools, better training for teachers and more time for students to practice. They also spoke about ways to recognise good work at the local level so small academies feel encouraged to keep teaching. Key proposals included clear guidelines to provide annual incentives to music schools, a fair and open process to decide which schools qualify, and plans for a national-level competition where the winning institution would receive the Prime Minister’s Award to raise standards and inspire young learners. Attendees from well-known institutions offered examples of how to organise classes, run community workshops and involve families in learning. They agreed that any new programme should use transparent rules and aim to include grassroots groups so that plans help everyone, not just big schools. The meeting also asked institutions to send written suggestions to refine the plans, showing a practical step toward action. Organisers hope that clearer policies, regular incentives and a national contest will give music teachers more stability, create new chances for students to shine and bring more music into everyday life across towns and villages. By linking large cultural bodies, colleges and local academies, the dialogue aimed to build a friendly, long-term plan that will make music education stronger, fairer and more reachable for the next generation of young musicians.
