Bangladesh Bank on Thursday withdrew its directive on a ‘modest’ dress code for employees after facing widespread criticism.
The central bank had issued the instruction on July 21, advising female staff to avoid short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings during office hours.
Male employees were told not to wear jeans or gabardine trousers.
The move sparked a backlash after media reports highlighted the directive, prompting heavy criticism on social media.
In a press statement on Thursday, Bangladesh Bank said the notice was merely an advisory encouraging staff to maintain professional attire.
However, the advisory has now been withdrawn following instructions from Governor Ahsan H Mansur, it added.
According to the directive, female employees were advised to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with dupattas, or other modest formal clothing, while discouraging short dresses and leggings. Headscarves or hijabs were allowed as optional.
Male staff were instructed to wear formal shirts—either full or half-sleeved—with formal trousers. Jeans and gabardine pants were explicitly prohibited, and non-compliance was to be treated as a disciplinary matter.
