Primary school teacher suspended over FB post critical of ministry, adviser

An assistant teacher at a government primary school in Kurigram was suspended today allegedly over a Facebook post critical of the primary and mass education adviser and other senior officials.

Monibul Haq Bosunia is an assistant teacher at Abul Kashem Balika Government Primary School in Rajarhat upazila.

According to an order signed by Kurigram District Primary Education Officer (DPEO) Swapan Kumar Roy Chowdhury today, "Monibul made objectionable posts from his personal Facebook account targeting the ministry, the department, its Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, and other high-ranking officials."

The DPEO said the post was against the government employee code of conduct and the policy on using social media.

As a result, he has been suspended under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.

Speaking to journalists, Monibul said, "I posted on Facebook criticising the decision to keep the school open on Saturday and participate in a cluster training on Friday," adding that he made the post to protest the attitude towards primary teachers and the deprivation of their rights.

"An attempt has been made to silence my voice through the suspension," he said.

Monibul went on to say, " I have complained about our salary and tiffin allowances. I have presented a realistic scenario of the hardships of teachers."

Confirming the suspension, DPEO Swapan Kumar Roy Chowdhury said, "He has been suspended on the orders of higher authorities. The teacher's Facebook post has sparked criticism."

He said Monibul will receive food allowance during the suspension.

An committee will be formed to probe the matter. Based on their report, further action will be taken, he said.