DPE warns primary school teachers against breaching social media guidelines

DPE warns primary teachers against misuse of social media

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has cautioned government primary school teachers against using social media in ways that violate official regulations or tarnish the image of the government, public institutions and the primary education system.

In a directive issued on Thursday, the DPE said disciplinary action would be taken against teachers who post or share derogatory remarks, misinformation, propaganda or other objectionable content about the government, government agencies or official decisions on social media platforms.

The directive instructed relevant authorities to identify government primary school teachers involved in such activities and initiate immediate departmental proceedings against them.

According to the DPE, all government employees are required to comply with the Guidelines for the Use of Social Media in Government Institutions-2019 (Revised Edition) issued by the Cabinet Division.

The directorate noted that it had recently observed some government primary school teachers making social media posts and comments that contravene these guidelines, thereby harming the reputation of the primary education system, government institutions and the government.

It said posting or sharing derogatory comments, misleading information, propaganda or objectionable content against the government, its agencies or official decisions constitutes a breach of public service conduct rules and will be treated as misconduct under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

Following instructions from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, monitoring committees at the divisional, district and upazila levels have been directed to strengthen oversight of teachers' social media activities. The committees have also been asked to hold at least one meeting each month to review online activities and take necessary measures where required.

The DPE further instructed divisional deputy directors, district primary education officers and upazila or thana primary education officers to ensure prompt departmental action against teachers found engaging in social media activities that undermine the government's image. They have also been asked to submit detailed reports on actions taken to the directorate.

A letter signed by DPE Director (Administration) Mahbuba Irene was sent to all divisional deputy directors, district primary education officers, PTI superintendents and upazila and thana primary education officers across the country.

Officials said the directive is expected to promote responsible use of social media among government employees, safeguard the reputation of public institutions and reinforce compliance with existing conduct rules and social media policies.