Dhaka, July 24, 2025

Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn its controversial dress code advisory that instructed women employees to avoid short sleeves, short dresses, and leggings, following widespread public criticism and concern from rights groups over increasing restrictions on women’s autonomy in Bangladesh.

Background: Dress Code Sparks Outcry

On July 21, 2025, Bangladesh Bank’s Human Resources Department-2 had issued an internal directive requiring women officers and staff to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with dupatta, or other “modest” and “professional” attire—explicitly banning short sleeves, short-length dresses, and leggings. Male employees were instructed to avoid jeans and gabardine pants, with only formal shirts and trousers permitted. The directive included threats of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Bank officials claimed the purpose was to ensure “uniformity” and “equality” in office attire, but civil society leaders, including Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Fauzia Moslem, strongly criticized the move as an unnecessary intrusion on women’s personal freedom and a reflection of growing efforts to police women’s bodies and behavior in the name of “modesty.” The directive quickly drew attention on social and mainstream media, intensifying public debate over bodily autonomy, workplace rights, and rising conservatism in the country.

Policy Withdrawn After Public and Media Pressure

In response to the growing backlash, Bangladesh Bank’s Governor, Ahsan H. Mansur, intervened directly after learning of the issue from media reports and ordered the withdrawal of the advisory. Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan clarified that the dress code was only a departmental advisory—not a formal policy or circular—and assured the public that it has now been completely revoked. The Bank further stated that employees remain free to choose their own attire outside office premises and that no official dress code policy is in force.

This development comes amid increasing pressure on women’s dress in Bangladesh, both from state and extremist religious actors. Earlier this year, rights groups documented a surge in harassment against women over their clothing, with some perpetrators receiving public support from hardline groups upon release from jail. In this context, Bangladesh Bank’s withdrawal of the dress code order is being viewed as an important moment of resistance against creeping restrictions on women’s rights and autonomy.

Source:

1. Bangladesh Bank withdraws its dress code for officials amid criticism – The Daily Star