No more 'Sir': Bangladesh scraps Hasina-era rule for addressing women officials

The interim government of Bangladesh has officially scrapped a directive that required female government officials -- including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -- to be addressed as 'Sir.' The decision was made during a meeting of the Advisory Council held on Thursday.

The official notice criticised the earlier rule. It stated, "During Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year tenure, a directive was issued instructing officials to address her as 'Sir.' This practice was later extended to other top female officials. Even today, female officials are often still addressed as 'Sir' — a practice that is socially and institutionally inappropriate and undesirable."

A notice from the Office of the Chief Adviser confirmed that the rule has been withdrawn. The government also announced the formation of a review committee to look into how officials should be addressed properly in the future.

The newly formed committee is led by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who advises on energy, roads, railways, environment, and water resources. The committee has been asked to give its recommendations within one month.

The Council of Advisers not only cancelled the "Sir" rule but also discussed the need to review other outdated and complicated protocol rules. The newly formed committee will look at those as well and suggest changes.

According to the official statement, the government wants to ensure that proper respect is given using the right and respectful language — and that this should match social norms and values.

CRITICISM OVER GENDER-INAPPROPRIATE TITLES

Many people inside and outside government had criticised the use of the word 'Sir' for women. It made officials, employees, and even journalists uncomfortable. Some said they felt pressure to use the wrong title or faced rudeness when they used the correct gender term.

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