Bangladesh Bank has issued a formal directive outlining specific dress code requirements for all its employees, drawing sharp criticism from rights activists and civil society members for imposing gendered restrictions and reinforcing conservative cultural norms.
In a notice dated July 21, the central bank’s Human Resources Department-2 instructed female staff to wear only saris, salwar-kameez with dupattas, or other “professional and modest” attire. It explicitly discouraged short-sleeved and short-length dresses as well as leggings. Additionally, those who wear headscarves have been instructed to keep them “plain and professional in color.” The directive also specified that male employees must wear formal long or half-sleeved shirts with formal trousers, avoiding jeans and gabardine pants.
The bank stated that these rules are aimed at maintaining a sense of uniformity and avoiding “psychological inequality” among employees. Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan defended the move, stating that the intent is to foster a sense of equality and discipline, particularly among the influx of younger recruits who, according to him, display “university-like behavior” in the workplace. “This is not about anyone currently wearing inappropriate clothing, but about setting standards for newcomers,” he told Prothom Alo.
However, the directive has sparked a wave of concern and criticism, particularly over its focus on controlling women’s attire. Fawzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, questioned the motive behind the order. “Why is dress being discussed in the name of equality? Has anyone in Bangladesh Bank ever dressed inappropriately? Clearly, a cultural push is underway, and this directive reflects that mindset,” she said.
She further remarked that determining how female employees should dress should not be prioritized over the pressing financial and regulatory responsibilities of the central bank. “Bangladesh Bank has a thousand things to do. Was issuing a dress code more urgent than addressing economic instability or monetary policy?” she added.
According to the official directive, failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action under misconduct regulations. Offices and departments have been instructed to nominate supervisory officers to monitor implementation and report any violations.
The broader implications of this move are being seen by many as a reflection of growing cultural conservatism in public institutions, where dress codes are increasingly used as tools of control rather than professionalism. Critics argue that instead of promoting gender equality, such policies often place disproportionate scrutiny on women and limit their agency in the workplace.
