Workplace Dress Code Updates: Long-Sleeved or Full-Length Dresses, Skirts Preferred for Female Employees; Leggings Banned for Staff at BB.
In a recent move aimed at promoting unity, equality, and professionalism, the Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new dress code for its employees. The new guidelines, issued by the Human Resources Department-2 on July 21, emphasise uniformity, modesty, and adherence to social norms in workplace attire.
The dress code applies to all employees, excluding those in C and D categories who have predefined uniforms. For male employees, the code stipulates that they must wear full or half-sleeved formal shirts with formal pants, banning jeans and gabardine pants. On the other hand, female employees are permitted to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with dupattas, or other modest and professional attire. Short-sleeved or short-length dresses and leggings are discouraged for female employees, but no one is required or forced to wear a hijab.
The new dress code is not a response to any previous incidents of inappropriate attire. Rather, it is a proactive measure to reduce visual disparities that can create psychological distance between colleagues, thereby improving mutual understanding and workplace harmony. The policy is designed as an advisory guideline rather than a strict restriction, allowing some personal freedom while encouraging modesty and uniformity.
Violation of the dress code may be treated as a breach of discipline. The circular also reiterates adherence to the Bangladesh Bank Staff Regulation 2003, particularly section 39, regarding conduct towards female colleagues.
The recent circular was one of several decisions made in a recent monthly meeting of the HR Division's Benefits and Administration Wing. The reasoning behind the new dress code is to ensure a respectful and disciplined work environment that aligns with social norms while discouraging ornate or flashy dressing.
The policy also reaffirms the institution's commitment to proper conduct and treatment of female employees, including mechanisms for reporting harassment. The circular 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.
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. The recent circular was issued to promote bonding among officers of all levels, both junior and senior.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur has expressed surprise over the matter and plans to look into it shortly. The new dress code aims to ensure equality, unity, and avoid psychological discomfort within the Bangladesh Bank.
- The new dress code for employees at the Bangladesh Bank, issued by the Human Resources Department-2 on July 21, promotes unity, modesty, and adherence to social norms, addressing visual disparities and fostering workplace harmony.
- The dress code applies to all employees, except those in the C and D categories who have predefined uniforms, and stipulates specific attire for both male and female employees, with a focus on professionalism and moderation.
- The circular also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a respectful and disciplined work environment, reiterates adherence to the Bangladesh Bank Staff Regulation 2003, and outlines procedures for reporting sexual harassment complaints.
- The introduction of this new dress code is part of a broader commitment by the Bangladesh Bank's HR Division, as demonstrated in a recent monthly meeting, to ensure equal treatment and fairness for all employees, irrespective of their rank or position.
