Tajikistan bans the wearing of hijab

Newsdesk:
Tajikistan has banned the use of the hijab.  Besides, Eidi given to children on Eid festival in the country has also been banned.  According to media reports, President Emomali Rahman has announced a ban on the hijab, describing it as a ‘foreign garment’.  The new law provides for fines ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 5 lakh for non-compliance.  On the other hand, if a religious or government official does not follow the law, he will be fined up to Rs 3-5 lakh. 
According to the Tajik news agency Asia-Plus, the government has taken these steps to promote secularism in the country.  In Tajikistan, which has a population of about 10 million, more than 96 per cent practice Islam.  Suleiman Dawlatzoda, chairman of the country's religious committee, said the decision to ban Eid was taken to curb wasteful spending and increase focus on children's safety and education.