The Bangladesh Army has recently announced a new policy that permits female troops to wear hijabs with their uniforms. This decision, made official in an office order from the Adjutant General’s office, gives female army personnel the option to choose whether or not to wear a hijab.
Prior to this change, female officers, nursing staff, and other female personnel were prohibited from wearing hijabs with their uniforms. However, the recent decision has lifted these restrictions. The order states that the decision was made in principle during the PSO Conference on September 3, granting approval to willing female personnel to wear hijabs with their uniforms.
To ensure compliance with uniform standards, the Adjutant General’s office has instructed that samples of hijabs compatible with different uniforms, such as combat uniforms, working dresses, and sarees, be submitted. These samples should include details about the fabric type, color, and measurements. Additionally, color photographs of female personnel wearing the proposed hijab with their uniform must be submitted to the relevant department by Thursday, September 26.
The inclusion of women in the Bangladesh Army has been a significant development in recent decades. Since the early 2000s, women have been allowed to join the corps and regiments of the army as officers, just like their male counterparts. Although women cannot become officers in the infantry and armored corps, their participation in the army has increased over the years.
Bangladesh has also emerged as a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations. According to a recent report, 7.7% of Bangladeshi peacekeepers are women, including military personnel, police personnel, and doctors.
