Now Reading: No More ‘Sir’ for Women Officials in Bangladesh
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No More ‘Sir’ for Women Officials in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has introduced a policy banning the use of “Sir” for women officials, a decision announced by the interim government on July 11, 2025, as part of broader gender equity reforms.
The directive, issued by the Public Administration Ministry under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, mandates addressing female public servants as “Madam” or by their official titles, reflecting a cultural shift following the August 2024 ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The move aims to eliminate gender-biased language in a workforce where women now hold 30% of civil service posts, up from 20% in 2020.
The policy, effective immediately, applies to all government correspondence and interactions, with training programs planned for 50,000 officials by year-end. Advocates praise it as a step toward inclusivity, citing increased female voter turnout in the 2024 election (43%-58% in some areas).
Critics argue it’s symbolic amid ongoing political instability, with the 2026 election looming. The change aligns with reform commissions’ recommendations, though enforcement may face resistance in rural areas, where traditional norms persist.
