Controversial ‘Sir’ directive from Hasina’s rule revoked

The Council of Advisers on Thursday formally revoked a contentious directive reportedly issued during Sheikh Hasina’s nearly 16-year-long tenure, which instructed public officials to address her as ‘Sir’.

According to the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the practice - deemed inappropriate and confusing - had extended beyond Hasina, with other high-ranking female officials also being referred to as ‘Sir’, a term traditionally reserved for men.

During the council meeting, broader discussions were held on reforming several other protocol-related directives previously implemented by the cabinet.

To address these concerns, a review committee has been formed, comprising Energy, Road and Railway Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. The committee has been tasked with assessing existing protocol norms and honorifics, and is expected to submit recommendations to the Council of Advisers within a month.