The lower chamber, Majlisi Namoyandagon, passed the bill on May 8, which primarily targets the prohibition of hijab and other traditional Islamic attire.
Tajikistan, a country in Central Asia bordering Afghanistan, is preparing to enforce a ban on the hijab among its citizens. The decision came after the upper house of the Tajikistan parliament, Majlisi Milli, approved a law on June 19 prohibiting “foreign attire” and children’s celebrations during two major Islamic holidays—Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Led by its chairman Rustam Emomali, the 18th session of the Majlisi Milli convened on June 19 to pass the bill, which had been previously approved by the lower chamber, the Majlisi Namoyandagon, on May 8. The legislation primarily targets the hijab and other traditional Islamic clothing.
The law, aimed at ensuring proper education and safety during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, prohibits children’s festivities during these occasions, according to Sulaiman Davlatzoda, the head of the Religion Committee, as reported by Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, Radio Ozodi.
During the session, the Majlisi Milli press center highlighted changes to Tajikistan’s laws regarding holidays, cultural practices, the role of teachers in children’s upbringing, and parental responsibilities.
The influx of women’s garments from the Middle East in recent years, perceived by officials as associated with Islamic extremists, has sparked debate among Tajikistan’s predominantly Muslim population in the tightly governed ex-Soviet republic.
In terms of penalties, lawmakers have agreed on new measures, imposing significant fines for violations. Previously, wearing a hijab or other religious clothing was not explicitly prohibited. However, individuals, companies, government officials, and religious leaders found guilty of breaking the law could face fines ranging from 7,920 to 57,600 somonis.
Tajikistan’s stance on the hijab has evolved over the years. Beginning in 2007, the government started unofficially restricting the hijab, initially within educational institutions and later extending the ban to all public settings. Special enforcement teams were formed, and police conducted raids to enforce the ban, although officials denied reports of women being fined for wearing the hijab.
Recent efforts by the Tajik government have emphasized the promotion of traditional Tajik clothing, including campaigns encouraging women to wear national attire. Additionally, there have been informal discouragements against men wearing bushy beards, with reports of police forcibly shaving off beards.
President Emomali Rahmon addressed the issue in March, highlighting concerns about xenophobia in clothing and the wearing of foreign attire, including hijabs with fake names.
