DPE warns primary teachers against violating social media guidelines

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

In a directive issued on Thursday, the DPE said strict action would be taken against teachers found posting or sharing derogatory remarks, misinformation, propaganda or objectionable content about the government, government offices and official decisions on social media platforms, BSS reports.

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

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

The directorate said it had recently observed that some government primary school teachers were making posts and comments on social media that contravene the guidelines, damaging the image of the primary education system, government institutions and the government.

The directive noted that posting or sharing derogatory comments, misleading information, propaganda or objectionable content against the government, government agencies or official decisions constitutes a violation of public service conduct rules.

Such activities will be treated as misconduct under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, it added.

In line with instructions from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, monitoring committees at the divisional, district and upazila levels have been asked to intensify oversight of teachers' social media activities.

The committees have also been reminded to hold at least one meeting every month to review teachers' online activities and take necessary measures where required.

The DPE directed divisional deputy directors, district primary education officers, and upazila and thana primary education officers to ensure prompt departmental action against teachers found engaging in activities on social media that undermine the government's image.

They have also been asked to submit detailed reports on the actions taken to the directorate.

A letter signed by DPE Director (Administration) Mahbuba Irene has been 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 directive is expected to help ensure the responsible use of social media by government employees, protect the reputation of public institutions, and reinforce compliance with existing conduct rules and social media policies.