The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has asked teachers and students of the country to refrain from posting any demeaning content about important people of the state, institutions or any profession on social media.
They were also asked to refrain from uploading, commenting, liking or sharing any post, photo, video or audio that tarnishes the image of the government or the state on various social media platforms.
The DSHE issued the directives, signed by its Director General (DG) Prof Syed Md Golam Faruk on October 7, to create awareness among students and teachers.
The directorate instructed that one must not publish any information contrary to national unity and spirit. Besides, individuals have to refrain from uploading, commenting, liking, or sharing any post, image, audio or video that may destroy communal harmony or degrade law and order.
According to the directives, one must not publish or share any writing, audio or video that may create unpleasant thoughts among people, while social media users must not spread baseless, untrue or obscene information.
The directives also asked government officers and employees to use social media following guidelines issued by the Cabinet Division and the rules of employment.
According to the instruction, heads of institutions will take immediate action if any officer-employee violates the rules of use of social media. If necessary, they will investigate the matter and inform the directorate through the regional office.
The DSHE also asked the admin of various active pages and groups to refrain from approving any post that goes against government policy.
Otherwise, both the admin and the post-giver will be charged as per rules and action will be taken against them, it added.
Earlier on May 27, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a directive that said government officials would be personally liable for content shared on their social media accounts. They were warned of punitive action in line with the law.
Khushi Kabir, the executive director of non-governmental organization Nijera Kori, said being able to express oneself is a democratic right.
“Unless a state of emergency is declared, constitutional and civil rights cannot be infringed upon,” she said.
Expressing opinions on an issue did not automatically equal opposing the government, she added.
She continued: “No one has the right to take away a person’s freedom of expression.
“But freedom of expression does not mean hurting others. Responsible behaviour is expected from every citizen in this regard.”
Aparajita Roy, a teacher at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls' High School and College, said: “We have to abide by the instructions issued by the government.
“I think we should encourage the students to become more involved in extracurricular activities so that they stay away from unnecessary issues on social media.”
College officials also must obey the guidelines and refrain from spreading rumours and baseless contents, she said.
Meanwhile, the authorities of several educational institutes declined to comment on the government’s decision.
Ishmam Bin Ehtesham, a student at National Defence College, said: “Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. If we want positive and sustainable change in our society, we have to make sure that everyone can express themselves freely.
“We must not discourage anyone from speaking out against disciplinary practices that tarnish the image of the state, the individual and the institutions.”
