In a decisive move to overhaul the corporate environment of the financial sector, Bangladesh Bank has issued a mandatory directive to all scheduled banks to construct and maintain gender-sensitive, hygienic washrooms. The central bank’s circular, released on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, aims to eliminate the systemic physical and logistical hardships faced by female banking professionals and clients across the country.
A Mandate for Dignity and Health
The new regulations arise from a recognition that inadequate sanitary infrastructure acts as a silent barrier to female participation in the economy. For many women, the lack of private, clean, and accessible facilities at bank branches has long been a source of health concerns and professional distress.
The directive, addressed to the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of all banks, asserts that providing a safe and sanitary environment is a fundamental prerequisite for any modern financial institution.
Scope of the Reform
The circular is remarkably broad in its application, ensuring that the standard of care is consistent regardless of the size or location of the banking unit.
Total Coverage: Facilities must be established at head offices, regional hubs, and every individual branch and sub-branch.
Infrastructure Audit: Banks are required to conduct an immediate audit of existing facilities. Any washroom found to be substandard must be renovated to meet modern “health-friendly” criteria.
Supply Chain Management: The directive stipulates the continuous provision of essential sanitary materials and a reliable water supply.
Strategic Compliance Framework
To ensure that the directive translates into tangible change, the central bank has outlined a set of core requirements that will be subject to regular monitoring.
Table: Compliance Standards for Gender-Sensitive Facilities
| Requirement | Specification | Objective |
| Physical Privacy | Separate, well-lit entrances with internal security locks. | To ensure safety and psychological comfort. |
| Sanitary Standards | High-quality non-porous tiling and adequate ventilation. | To mitigate the risk of infections and improve hygiene. |
| Accessibility | Strategic placement within branch layouts for ease of use. | To ensure elderly or pregnant clients are not inconvenienced. |
| Maintenance Log | Documented cleaning schedules and dedicated personnel. | To ensure the facilities remain functional and hygienic 24/7. |
| Waste Management | Implementation of discrete and hygienic disposal systems. | To support dignified menstrual hygiene management. |
Strengthening the Financial Ecosystem
Industry observers believe this reform is a vital component of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration within the Bangladeshi banking sector. By prioritising the health and comfort of female staff, banks are likely to see a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in long-term staff retention.
Furthermore, as the number of female entrepreneurs and account holders grows, the presence of clean and secure facilities becomes a competitive advantage. A “gender-friendly” bank is seen as an inclusive institution that respects its clientele. Bangladesh Bank has indicated that it will perform spot-checks and require progress reports to ensure that these structural improvements are executed swiftly across the nation.