Tajikistan recently implemented a ban on wearing hijabs and other foreign clothing, following the approval of a new bill by the country’s parliament to regulate Islamic attire and Eid festivities.
The legislation, endorsed by the upper chamber of parliament, Majlisi Milli, on June 19, comes after ten years of unspoken restrictions on wearing the hijab in the country with a predominantly Muslim population.
The new law imposes heavy fines on individuals wearing hijabs or other banned religious clothing, with penalties reaching up to 7,920 somonis ($700).
Companies permitting such attire could be fined up to 39,500 somonis ($3,500). Government officials and religious leaders found in violation may face even higher fines ranging from 54,000 to 57,600 somonis ($4,800-$5,100).
In addition, the legislation bans kids from taking part in celebrations and gift-giving customs linked to the Islamic festivals of Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.
Officials have emphasized that these rules aim to ensure children’s education and safety are protected throughout the holidays.
In recent years, Tajikistan has witnessed a rise in Islamic attire imported from the Middle East, a trend that authorities associate with extremism and a challenge to the nation’s cultural heritage.
President Emomali Rahmon labeled the hijab as “foreign clothing” in March, prompting the government to advocate for traditional Tajik national garments as a substitute.
Tajikistan’s recent legislation marks a further tightening of the country’s informal limitations on Islamic clothing.
Starting from 2007, the hijab has been prohibited for students, and this ban has now been extended to encompass all public institutions.
Additionally, authorities have actively discouraged men from sporting thick beards, leading to numerous reports of police forcibly shaving thousands of beards in the last ten years.
Human rights groups have condemned Tajikistan’s ban on the hijab as a breach of religious freedom. Given that more than 98% of the population is Muslim, it is expected that the law will encounter strong resistance from within Tajik society once implemented.
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