Female troops of Bangladesh Army allowed to wear hijab with uniform: Reports

Female troops of the Bangladesh Army will now be allowed towear hijabs with their uniforms if they choose to, local media reported on Monday (Sep23). The decision was announcedin an office order from the Adjutant General’s office, making hijab-wearing optional for female army personnel.

A report by bdnews24 said thatrestrictions on wearing hijabs that applied to female officers, nursing staff, and other personnel of the army were lifted.

“A decision was made in principle during the PSO Conference on Sept 3, granting approval to willing female personnel to wear the hijab with their uniform,” the order from theAdjutant General’s office said.

What was the previous rule?

Earlier, wearing the hijab was not permitted with the uniform. TheAdjutant General's officeinstructed 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 Thursday (Sep 26).

Role of women troops in Bangladesh Army

Since the early 2000s, women have been allowed to join the corps and regiments of the Bangladesh Armyas officers just like their male counterparts. However, women cannot become officers in the infantry and armoured corps.

Over the years, Bangladesh has emerged as the topmost contributor to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.

A recent report by the Bangladeshi daily The Business Standard said that7.7 per centof Bangladeshi peacekeepers are women, including 415 female military personnel, 119 female police personnel, and a few female doctors.

(With inputs from agencies)