Bangladesh’s interim government has recently abolished a rule from the previous administration that mandated addressing women officials as “sir.” This change, enacted under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, marks a significant step toward gender-neutral titles in Bangladesh, aligning with efforts to modernize administrative protocols and promote inclusivity.
The former practice, established during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, required women in official roles to be addressed with the traditionally male honorific “sir.” Many viewed this as outdated and misaligned with gender equality principles. The interim government, in response to public sentiment and administrative review, has now eliminated this protocol, allowing women officials to be addressed with titles that reflect their roles or gender, such as “madam” or position-specific designations.
This reform is part of a broader initiative to revise outdated administrative practices. A committee has been formed to examine other protocols from the previous regime, ensuring they align with contemporary values. Posts on X reflect public support for this change, with users describing the former rule as “odd” and “inappropriate,” indicating a societal push for more equitable language in governance.
The adoption of gender-neutral titles in Bangladesh signals a commitment to fostering respect and equality in public administration. As the country continues to address gender-related issues, this decision sets a precedent for further reforms aimed at creating an inclusive environment for all officials, regardless of gender.
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Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 12th, 2025
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