BB issues dress code for all, discourages short-sleeved or length dresses, leggings for female staff

The Bangladesh Bank has set a dress code for all its employees, asking them to wear "modest"  attire.

According to a directive, the central bank has asked its female staff members to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with dupattas, or other modest and professional attire. The directive also discourages the wearing of short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings by women.

However, female employees are permitted to wear formal shoes or sandals and may wear plain headscarves or hijabs if they choose.

The directive, issued by the central bank's Human Resources Department-2 on 21 July, is now in effect.

The director of this department is Nasima Sultana, the executive director is Md Sirajul Islam, and the deputy governor of the same department is Md Zakir Hossain Chowdhury.

According to the circular, male employees are required to wear full or half-sleeved formal shirts with formal pants. Jeans and gabardine pants have been prohibited. Violation of the dress code may be treated as a breach of discipline, it added.

Contacted by The Business Standard in the wee hours of Thursday (24 July), Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur expressed surprise over the matter.

"I'm surprised to see the news. I am currently out of the country and will certainly look into the issue shortly," he said.

When asked, the central bank's Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain said the directive aims to promote uniformity and cohesion in the workplace.

"The idea is to ensure equality and unity in dress within the institution and avoid any psychological discomfort," he said. "Moreover, modest clothing is mandatory for both male and female employees in any professional environment."

"For female employees, the directive advises avoiding short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings. However, no one has been required or forced to wear a hijab," he added.

When asked whether anyone at Bangladesh Bank had worn inappropriate attire before the issuance of the directive, the spokesperson said, "No, no one did."

When asked why such a directive was necessary, he said, "Now, each batch entering the Bangladesh Bank includes 200-250 young recruits who have just graduated from universities. Some of them still exhibit behaviour typical of university life.

"So, this circular was issued to promote bonding among officers of all levels, both junior and senior."

The dress code was one of several decisions made in a recent monthly meeting of the HR Division's Benefits and Administration Wing. According to section 11(g) of the meeting's resolution, employees (excluding C and D category staff with predefined uniforms) must dress in a manner that is socially appropriate, professional, and refined.

Additionally, the circular reiterates adherence to the Bangladesh Bank Staff Regulation 2003, particularly section 39, regarding conduct towards female colleagues. 

It also outlines procedures for reporting sexual harassment complaints, requiring such cases to be submitted within 30 working days to the designated committee under HR Division-1.