Dhaka, Dec. 11 -- The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has pulled back from an order asking government primary schools to promote the forthcoming referendum on the July National Charter.

The directive, issued on Wednesday to field-level officials, was described as a "mistake" by ASM Sirajuddoha, deputy director (establishment) at the directorate's Administration Wing, who said it would be cancelled.

He added that no government decision had yet been taken on campaigning inside educational institutions.

"If such a decision is taken, field officers will be informed again."

Earlier in the day, the DPE's Administration Wing circulated a document with 13 instructions, including hanging banners in government primary schools to promote ...