Female members of the Bangladesh Army can now wear hijabs with their uniforms if they choose to, reports Bdnews24.
This decision was announced in an office order from the Adjutant General’s office, making hijab-wearing optional for female army personnel, reads the report published on 23 September.
The restrictions on wearing hijabs, which applied to female officers, nursing staff (Armed Forces Nursing Service), and other ranks, have recently been lifted.
“A decision was made in principle during the PSO Conference on 3 September, granting approval to willing female personnel to wear the hijab with their uniform,” reads the order.
Previously, wearing the hijab, the traditional headscarf covering the head and shoulders, was not permitted with the uniform.
The AG’s office also said a policy is being formulated for hijab-wearing.
The office directive instructed that samples of hijabs compatible with different uniforms (combat uniform, working dress, saree) should be submitted.
The samples should include details of the fabric type, colour, and measurements.
Colour photographs of female personnel wearing the proposed hijab with their uniform must also be submitted to the relevant department by 26 September for review.
