Tajikistani parliament passes controversial bill to ban hijab and other “alien garments”

Tajikistan, a Muslim-majority nation in Central Asia that borders Afghanistan, has recently implemented a ban on hijab for women. The country’s Tajikistani parliament, specifically the upper house known as Majlisi Milli, passed a law on June 19 prohibiting what it terms as “alien garments.” Additionally, the bill targets the tradition of ‘Idi,’ where children seek money from their elders during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

President Emomali Rahmon, referring to the hijab as “alien garments,” approved the bill, effectively regulating and prohibiting the Arabic veil. This move follows an unofficial ban on hijab in Tajikistan, which began in 2007 when the Education Ministry prohibited both western-style miniskirts and Islamic attire for students.

The bill, initially passed by the lower chamber of parliament (Majlisi Namoyandagon) on May 8, primarily focuses on banning traditional Islamic clothing, including the hijab. Under the new law, offenders may face hefty fines ranging from 8,000 to 65,000 somoni (equivalent to approximately Rs 60,560 to Rs 5 lakh).

According to reports from the Tajik agency Asia-Plus News, government officials and religious authorities who fail to comply with the new regulations will face even higher fines—Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively. President Rahmon also signed additional laws prohibiting “overspending” and the custom of Idi during Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Nowruz festivals.

The ban on Idi, as explained by Sulaiman Dvlatzoda, head of the Religious Committee, aims to ensure “proper education and safety during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.” However, it is essential to note that this move is also seen as a protest against ancestral and national culture, as emphasized in the Tajik President’s press release.

Promotion of National Dress

The crackdown on hijab in Tajikistan reflects broader concerns about clothing and identity. In March, President Rahmon referred to “xenophobia in clothing,” expressing disapproval of wearing foreign clothes with fake names and hijab. The country’s efforts to promote the wearing of Tajik national dress have been ongoing, including campaigns urging women to adopt Tajik attire.

While Tajikistan joins several other Muslim-majority countries in banning hijab and the burqa in certain contexts, this recent legislation underscores the delicate balance between cultural preservation, religious expression, and state control.

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