DPE warns primary teachers over social media use

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has issued a warning to primary school teachers regarding the use of social media, stressing strict compliance with government guidelines on digital conduct.

In a directive issued on Thursday (June 18) from its administration wing, the DPE said adherence to the “Guidelines for Use of Social Media in Government Institutions, 2019 (revised version)” issued by the Cabinet Division is mandatory for all public servants.

The authority noted that in recent times, some primary school teachers have been posting comments and content on social media that violate the guidelines, allegedly harming the image of the primary education system, government institutions and the state.

The directive further states that posting, sharing or engaging in content that criticises, spreads misinformation or makes derogatory remarks against the government, its departments or official decisions constitutes a breach of service conduct rules.

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

The DPE has instructed monitoring committees at divisional, district and upazila levels to intensify oversight of teachers’ online activities. These committees have been asked to hold at least one meeting every month to review social media conduct and take necessary measures.

Authorities have also been directed to take swift departmental action against teachers found violating the rules and submit detailed reports to the DPE.

The instruction was issued under the signature of DPE Director (Administration) Mahbuba Irene and sent to all divisional deputy directors, district primary education officers, PTI superintendents and upazila-level education officials.

Source: BSS