BB withdraws dress code guideline after backlash

Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn its earlier guideline regarding employees’ attire following widespread criticism.

The bank’s Executive Director and Spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, confirmed the withdrawal to reporters around 11:30am on Thursday (July 24).

He said the issue of wearing modest attire during office hours had been discussed and suggested in various departmental meetings, but it remained at the proposal stage. “It was never a mandatory directive or a policy decision,” he clarified.

Khan added that when the matter was reported in the media and came to the attention of Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, who is currently abroad, the governor expressed his displeasure. Following his directive, the issue was immediately withdrawn from all internal discussions.

He further stated that any such directive in the future would be issued formally through an official circular.

Earlier on Monday, the central bank’s Human Resources Department-2 had introduced a new dress code for employees, which imposed several restrictions on attire — particularly for female staff. The move sparked significant backlash on social media after news outlets reported on the directive.