The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has sparked widespread controversy with new ordinances imposing strict dress code restrictions on women and banning protests by government employees. These developments have drawn sharp criticism on social media, with some comparing the measures to Taliban policies in Afghanistan, raising concerns about authoritarian governance.
Controversial Dress Code Ordinance
Earlier this week, the Bangladesh Bank (Central Bank) issued a directive prohibiting female employees from wearing short clothing, sleeveless attire, or leggings. The bank mandated traditional outfits such as sarees or salwar kameez that fully cover the body, along with headscarves or hijabs and formal shoes or sandals. Male employees were barred from wearing jeans or chino trousers. The bank’s HR department warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance, intensifying public outrage.
Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash
The dress code restrictions triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh, with citizens and journalists labeling the interim government as a “dictatorship.” Social media platforms, particularly X, saw an outpouring of criticism, with one user stating, “A new Taliban era under Muhammad Yunus’ rule.” Many drew parallels between the ordinances and the restrictive decrees enforced by the Taliban in Afghanistan, amplifying calls for accountability.
Government Response and Reversal
Following intense public backlash and social media uproar, the Bangladesh Bank withdrew the controversial dress code ordinance on Thursday. The reversal has sparked further discussions about governance, personal freedoms, and the direction of the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus.
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