The Bangladesh Bank on Thursday withdrew the directive it had issued on a ‘modest’ dress code for its employees after facing widespread criticisms.
The central bank had issued the instruction on July 21, advising the female staffs to avoid short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings during office hours.
The male employees were told not to wear jeans or gabardine trousers.
The BB directive prompted heavy criticisms, especially on social media, after the media reported instructions.
In a press statement on Thursday, the Bangladesh Bank said that the notice was merely an advisory encouraging the staffs to maintain professional attire.
However, the advisory was withdrawn following instructions from Governor Ahsan H Mansur, it added.
According to the directive, the 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.
The male staffs 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, according to the directive.