New code of conduct planned to curb teachers’ political activities

The Education Ministry is preparing a new code of conduct to prevent teachers at private educational institutions from becoming excessively involved in politics and disrupting academic activities.

The proposed rules will seek to bar teachers and employees of MPO-listed schools, colleges, madrasas and technical institutions from engaging in political activities, according to ministry officials.

Officials said excessive involvement in politics by some teachers has affected classroom teaching and contributed to poor academic results.

The ministry has prepared a draft code of conduct for MPO-listed teachers and employees following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The draft will be revised before the final rules are introduced.

Dhaka Education Board Chairman Professor Syed Akhtaruzzaman said teachers cannot evade responsibility when educational institutions perform poorly.

“Some teachers have previously given more attention to political activities than classroom teaching, which has negatively affected overall results,” he said, stressing the need to keep teachers free from politics and ensure accountability.

Meanwhile, the prime minister has issued 15 directives to improve the quality of education. The directives include revising teachers’ code of conduct to ensure a politically neutral educational environment and keeping teachers away from activities unrelated to education.

The directives also call for expanding extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural programmes, drawing and mathematics olympiads, to encourage students to attend school.

A unified, time-bound lesson plan and routine are also proposed to ensure regular classroom teaching nationwide.

The government has been asked to examine the feasibility of establishing a national education channel so students across the country can attend classes taught by the best teachers. Technology-based monitoring of classroom teaching has also been proposed.

Other directives include comprehensive training plans to improve teachers’ skills, filling vacant posts for mathematics, English and science teachers, and providing specialised subject-based training.

The government also plans to encourage teachers through awards and recognition for good performance.

The directives further call for expanding technical, technology-based and employment-oriented education in line with labour market demand and students’ abilities and interests. A central research database is also proposed to support education planning.

Other measures include ensuring teachers prepare adequately for classes and use necessary teaching materials, establishing an integrated digital platform for professional development, and introducing exchange programmes to share successful teaching practices nationwide.

sks