Written by The Banking Post
Bangladesh Bank has introduced a formal dress code for all its employees, aiming to standardise workplace attire in line with professional standards and social norms. The directive, issued via a circular from the central bank’s Human Resources Department-2 on July 21, warns that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
According to the circular, female employees must dress in a “modest and professional” manner. Attire such as short-sleeved or short-length clothing and leggings has been explicitly discouraged. Approved dress options include sarees, salwar-kameez with orna, or other plain, modest outfits in professional colours. Simple headscarves or hijabs are permitted, along with formal shoes or sandals.
For male employees, the dress code mandates formal shirts (long or half sleeves), formal trousers, and appropriate footwear. Jeans and gabardine trousers have been prohibited.
“All officials and employees must maintain modest and professional attire, consistent with the country’s prevailing social values,” the circular stated.
The directive applies to all departments, projects, units, and divisions of Bangladesh Bank, and will be a standing agenda item in each division’s monthly meetings.
The guidelines do not apply to C and D-grade employees who wear designated uniforms. For other staff, compliance with the dress code falls under the supervision of a designated officer, as outlined in Point 12 of the circular. Any violation must be reported to the Human Resources Division for appropriate action.
Commenting on the policy, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan said the move was prompted by the “noticeable variation” in attire across different age groups and genders, which he said occasionally created a “psychological distance” among colleagues.
The dress code is now in effect across the central bank’s operations.
