DPE warns against posts damaging govt image

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has moved to strengthen oversight of government primary school teachers’ online conduct, directing education officials nationwide to take immediate disciplinary action against those who violate government social media regulations.

The DPE warned that teachers posting or sharing derogatory remarks, misinformation, propaganda or other objectionable content concerning the government, government offices or official decisions on social media platforms would face strict action, in a directive issued on Friday,

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

According to the DPE, all government employees are obligated to comply with the “Guidelines for the Use of Social Media in Government Institutions-2019 (Revised Edition)” issued by the Cabinet Division.
The directive stated that the directorate had recently observed some government primary school teachers making social media posts and comments that contravene those guidelines.

It said such activities were damaging the reputation of the primary education system, government institutions and the government.

The DPE further noted that publishing or sharing derogatory comments, misleading information, propaganda or objectionable content relating to the government, government agencies or official decisions amounts to a breach of public service conduct rules.

It added that such actions would be regarded as misconduct under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

Following instructions from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, monitoring committees at divisional, district and upazila levels have been directed to intensify supervision of teachers’ social media activities.

The committees have also been instructed to hold at least one meeting every month to assess teachers’ online activities and take necessary measures where required.

The DPE has directed divisional deputy directors, district primary education officers and upazila or thana primary education officers to ensure swift departmental action against any teacher found engaging in social media activities deemed harmful to the government’s image.

The officials have additionally been asked to submit detailed reports to the directorate outlining the measures taken in response to such incidents.

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

Officials concerned said the move is expected to encourage responsible social media use among government employees, safeguard the reputation of public institutions and strengthen adherence to existing conduct regulations and social media policies.