Tajikistan has been known for its unofficial ban on the hijab in public institutions. Still, a new proposed law aims to extend this ban to importing, selling, wearing, and advertising religious garments.
Violators of this law could face significant fines, ranging from $740 for individuals to $5,400 for legal entities.
According to Tajik lawmaker Mavludakhon Mirzoeva, the draft legislation prohibits clothing that is considered foreign to culture.
Despite the controversy surrounding the bill, it is anticipated to be ratified and signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon.
Special task forces have been deployed in recent years to enforce the ban, with police frequently conducting raids on markets to apprehend those who violate the unofficial ban.
Tajikistan has previously banned bushy beards, compelling many men to shave against their wishes.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom criticized Tajikistan for its severe restrictions on religious freedom, describing the ggoverngovernment’snsas systematic, ongoing, and egregious.
In 2022, all Islamic bookstores in the capital were temporarily shut down for violating religious laws.
In 2023, Abdullo Rahmonzoda, the head of the Committee for Youth and Sports, recommended that bloggers refrain from growing beards, as promoting them online could be interpreted as supporting terrorist organizations and threatening national security.
