Tajikistan, a predominantly Muslim nation, recently enacted a law banning the hijab, sparking widespread debate and concern. This move, endorsed by President Emomali Rahmon's administration, is part of a broader strategy that the government claims is aimed at preserving national cultural values and combating extremism. 

Last Thursday, Tajikistan's upper parliamentary house, the Majlisi Milli, approved legislation banning "foreign clothing," explicitly targeting the hijab worn by Muslim women. The new law is part of a suite of 35 religion-related acts aimed at curbing what the government sees as external influences. The penalties for violating this law are severe, with fines ranging from nearly EUR 700 for ordinary citizens to about EUR 5,000 for religious figures.

Historical Context and Government Stance

To understand the ban, we need to look back at Tajikistan’s political landscape post-1997, following a brutal five-year civil war. President Emomali Rahmon, in power since 1994, initially coexisted with the Tajikistan Islamic Resurrection Party (TIRP), which was integrated into the government as part of a UN-brokered peace deal. Over time, Rahmon systematically pushed TIRP out of power, culminating in its designation as a terrorist organization in 2015 after an alleged coup attempt.

Since then, Rahmon has been on a crusade against what he terms as "extremist" elements. His government has taken numerous steps to minimize religious influence and assert control, including:

• Banning Hijabs in Public Institutions (2009): The initial restrictions targeted public universities and government buildings.
  
  
• The Law on Parental Responsibility (2011): This law penalizes parents who send their children abroad for religious education and bans minors from entering places of worship without permission.
  
  
• Closure of Mosques (2017): Nearly 2,000 mosques were shut down in a year, with many converted into tea houses and medical centers.
  
  

The latest hijab ban follows a deadly attack in Moscow in April, where four attackers with Tajikistani passports were involved. This incident likely spurred the recent legislative push, reflecting heightened security concerns.

Rahmon has articulated his vision of Tajikistan as a "democratic, sovereign, law-based and secular" state, as per the 2016 Constitution. He has urged citizens to cherish their culture and "Love God with (their) heart" while distancing themselves from what he sees as foreign religious impositions.

International Reactions and Comparisons

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has designated Tajikistan a "country of special concern," highlighting ongoing issues with religious freedom.

Various European countries have also grappled with the hijab issue:

• France (2004): Banned conspicuous religious symbols, including hijabs, in public schools.
  
  
• Austria (2017): Prohibited headscarves in primary schools for children up to 10 years.
  
  
• Italy (2009): Banned the "burkini" in public pools and beaches.
  
  

Muslim-Majority Countries have also issued similar bans in the past:

• Tunisia: Imposed a hijab ban in public institutions since 1981, partially lifted in 2011.
  
  
• Kosovo (2009) and Azerbaijan (2010): Banned the hijab in schools and government offices.
  
  
• Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: Implemented restrictions on religious attire.
  
  

Proponents of the ban argue it is necessary to combat extremism and maintain cultural integrity. Critics, however, view it as an infringement on personal freedoms and religious rights. They fear it could marginalize Muslim communities further and ignite unrest.