Founded on November 10, 1963 by late classical musician Barin Majumder on his own, the college was taken over by the government on May 11, 1984, without any projection or allowance for new recruits.

This college now wobbles with 17 faculty members including its principal and vice principal.

"There are no provisions for recruitment, and positions left vacant by retirement, resignation or demise have not been replaced," said Professor Jahan-e-Gulshan, the principal.

It is not surprising that there are no instructors specialised in teaching Tagore or Nazrul songs. At present a lecturer of history teaches Nazrul songs.

The Department of Instrumental Music exists only in name. Practical classes are few and far between because of the non-availability of instrument instructors. Teaching assistants or instrument demonstrators cannot do so, as they are otherwise engaged in accompanying vocal instructors.

"Practice is vital for our vocal students. They are aspiring singers," the principal commented. "It is a pity that we are unable to provide all the facilities," she added.

The college offers two degrees -- intermediate in music and bachelor's degree in music equivalent to higher secondary certificate (HSC) and degree (pass). Bangla, English and classical music are mandatory subjects for both courses. Students have options to choose one subject from either history, political science or economics and another option to choose one from either Tagore, Nazrul or folk songs.

The college authorities were satisfied with the teaching staff for all subjects other than music, as these instructors get transferred from other degree colleges.

College sources said that in 1984, at least 84 posts, including an associate professor, an assistant professor and two lecturers for each subject were sanctioned according to the staffing pattern for degree colleges.

However, the positions of associate professor and one lecturer were dropped for reasons unknown. This stand prompted a slack in promotions over the years.

As the only government music college, students were expected to stream in. Unfortunately the numbers are gradually decreasing.

"We had around 300 students that has now reduced to 80," said Indramohan Rajbanshi, assistant professor of folk songs.

"Music appealed to me as a child and I decided to study it," said Jasmin Sarkar Tina, a student of bachelor in music. "I am now worried about the future as the college does not have provisions for master's," she said.

Khalid Hossain, vice principal, commented that students who completed bachelor's degree in music could do a preliminary master's course at Dhaka University (DU).

"But it is not possible anymore as the DU dissolved this preliminary course and introduced a Master's with Honours in Music and Drama," he said.

Another hindrance is lack of dormitory facilities. "Students seek admission from all parts of the country, as this is the only government institution in this field. Dormitory facilities should be provided whenever required," said Palash Majumder, a student from Noakhali. "Most students cannot afford to rent flats, and even if they do so, they cannot practice their music because 'the noise' causes annoyance to the neighbours," he added.

"We have appraised Professor Mohammed Junaeed, director general of Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, and Education Secretary Khandaker Shahidul Islam about our problems and have made our demands," said Jahan-e-Gulshan. "They have intimated that the problems will be solved immediately," she added.