Bangladesh Bank Withdraws Dress Code Directive

The Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn its directive on dress codes for its officers and employees. A statement issued by the bank around noon on Thursday announced the retraction of the directive.

The statement clarified that discussions in departmental meetings had led to a decision to advise all levels of officers and employees to wear professional and dignified attire, considering the social context. However, no policy decision was made, and no circular was issued regarding this matter.

On July 21, a directive from Bangladesh Bank had instructed female officers and employees to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with scarves, or other professional and modest attire, while avoiding short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings. The statement further noted that when the issue came to the attention of the Bangladesh Bank Governor, who is currently abroad, through media reports, he expressed displeasure and ordered the immediate withdrawal of the directive. Earlier, on July 21, the Human Resources Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a directive specifying the attire for all levels of officers and employees. After the directive was published in the media on Wednesday night, it faced widespread criticism, with many expressing their reactions on social media platforms like Facebook. The directive had mandated female officers and employees to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with scarves, or other professional modest attire, avoiding short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings. It also required formal sandals or shoes and plain headscarves or hijabs. For male employees, the directive specified full or half-sleeved formal shirts and formal pants, while prohibiting jeans and gabardine pants. Non-compliance was to result in disciplinary action.

When contacted by Prothom Alo on Wednesday, Bangladesh Bank’s Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan had stated that the directive aimed to ensure uniformity and equality in attire to avoid mental disparities. He emphasized that modest attire is mandatory for both men and women in any institution. Women were asked to avoid short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings, and while no one was forced to wear a hijab, those choosing to do so were required to wear plain-colored ones. The directive had been effective from July 21.