Talibani Era: A recent directive by the Bangladesh Bank imposing strict dress codes for women, coupled with a new ordinance banning government employee protests, has sparked widespread outrage and drawn comparisons to Taliban-style rule.
Earlier this week, the Bangladesh Bank instructed its women employees to avoid short dresses, sleeveless clothing, and leggings, suggesting they wear sarees or salwar kameez, and preferably don headscarves or hijabs. Male staff were told not to wear jeans or chinos. The internal order also warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance and directed departments to appoint officers to monitor adherence.
The restrictions triggered a storm on social media, with critics calling the move “dictatorial.” One user labelled it the beginning of a “New Talibani era under a meticulous dictator.” Fauzia Moslem, president of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, called the directive unprecedented, suggesting it reflected an attempt to reshape the cultural sphere in Bangladesh.
Facing mounting criticism, the Bangladesh Bank withdrew the directive on Thursday. “This circular is purely advisory. No obligation has been imposed regarding the wearing of hijab or burqa,” clarified spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan.
Protest Ban Ordinance Adds Fuel to the Fire
Adding to public outrage, the government passed a controversial ordinance late Wednesday, effectively banning protests by government employees. The new law replaces the term “disobedience” with “misconduct disrupting public duty,” allowing for dismissal or demotion of any government employee who obstructs or violates state orders.
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Worryingly, the amended ordinance does not provide any right to appeal against disciplinary actions. The law has drawn criticism for silencing dissent and eliminating safeguards for government workers.
These developments come amid growing pressure from Islamist groups, who oppose gender equality reforms and have called for Bangladesh to follow a Sharia-based governance model. From labelling university teachers “anti-hijab” to staging mass protests against “Western laws on women,” groups like Jamaat-Char Monai and Hefazat-e-Islam have intensified their demands in recent months.
As civil liberties continue to shrink under the Yunus-led regime, citizens and rights groups fear the consolidation of a hardline state policy aimed at stifling both personal freedom and democratic expression.
