Dhaka: The Supreme Court (SC) has announced the reinstatement of the mandatory dress code for judges and lawyers in all subordinate courts, tribunals, and both the Appellate and High Court Divisions. This decision marks the end of a previous relaxation, which had been allowed due to a severe heatwave.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Supreme Court has issued separate notifications on November 11, mandating that all law practitioners must wear black coats and gowns while conducting hearings from November 16. The notifications were signed by Supreme Court Registrar General Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee. One of these notifications explicitly stated that the earlier order issued on March 25, which relaxed the dress code, has now been cancelled.
The notification further specified that lawyers are required to adhere to the dress code provisions as outlined in the 'Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules, 1988,' and the 'Supreme Court of Bangladesh (High Court Division) Rules, 1973.' Another notification directed the Honourable Judges and lawyers of the subordinate courts and tribunals to follow the dress code as prescribed in the 'Civil Rules and Orders' and 'Criminal Rules and Orders.'