Bangladesh eases dress code for lower court judges, lawyers amid heatwave

The order that came into effect on Tuesday will continue until further notice

The dress code for judges and lawyers in Bangladesh's subordinate civil and criminal courts as well as tribunals has been relaxed until further notice amid scorching heat.

The chief justice issued the order on Monday, according to a notification signed by High Court Registrar Justice Muhammad Sharifur Rahman.

The order came into effect on Tuesday, saying judges will wear black coats and occasionally put on white full-sleeve shirts or white saree/salwar kameez with a white neckband or black tie.

"In that case, there is no need to wear a gown," the notification says.

And lawyers will be in white full-sleeve shirts or white saree/salwar kameez with white neckband or black tie, it adds, exempting them from black coats and gowns.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warned on Apr 2 of two to four heatwaves in April, with chances of two of them bringing severe heat.

On Saturday, the Met Office reported a mild to moderate heatwave in 15 districts.