HC orders probe into IBN SINA job circular, seeks fair hiring guidelines

The High Court today directed the government to formulate a guideline to ensure non‑discriminatory recruitment in both government and private offices.

Responding to a writ petition, the court asked authorities to investigate allegations against IBN SINA Pharmaceutical Industry PLC, over issuing a job circular on January 26 restricting applications for the post of Executive/Senior Executive (Legal Affairs) to “male” and “practising Muslim” candidates only.

The HC ordered regulators to take appropriate measures to withdraw discriminatory conditions and prevent similar practices in future recruitment.

A compliance report must be submitted within three months.

Additionally, the court issued a rule asking respondents to explain why their alleged failure to regulate discriminatory recruitment should not be declared unlawful and contrary to constitutional guarantees.

It also directed them to show cause why all workplaces should not be required to adopt non‑discriminatory guidelines.

Respondents include secretaries of the ministries of labour and employment, health services division, industries, law, justice and parliamentary affairs, and women and children affairs; the director general of directorate general of drug administration; the executive director of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; and the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission Bangladesh.

The HC bench of Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the order following a writ petition by Advocate Anamika Nahrin.

Petitioner’s lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain told The Daily Star that excluding candidates solely on the basis of gender and religion for a legal affairs role is arbitrary, unreasonable, and unrelated to the nature of the post.

She added that such restrictions violate constitutional guarantees of equality, non‑discrimination, protection of law, and freedom of profession under Articles 27, 28, 31, and 40 of the Constitution.

Senior Advocates Sara Hossain and Sharif Bhuiyan, along with Karishma Jahan and Priya Ahsan Chowdhury, appeared for the petitioner. Deputy Attorneys General Khan Ziaur Rahman and Abdul Karim represented the state.