The directive to high-ranking female officials to be addressed as "Sir" has been annulled.

The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing informed the media on Thursday, 10 July 2025, that the Council of Advisers has officially annulled the directive.

The press release from the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing stated that during Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year long autocratic rule, a directive was reportedly issued requiring public officials to address her as "Sir". This practice extended to other high-ranking female officials, who were and still are being called “Sir” which is clearly odd.

The advisory council also discussed the necessity of changing other elaborate protocol directives issued by the cabinet.

A committee, composed of the Energy, Road and Railway Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has been formed to review the protocol directives and honorifics and suggest, within one month, appropriate amendments  for consideration of the advisory council.

MUM/MSK