Controversy has arisen over the new dress code of government schools in Azerbaijan, which has about 96 percent Muslim population. Protests broke out and 37 people were arrested amid allegations that hijab-wearing female students were barred from entering schools.
New Delhi: Controversy has arisen regarding hijab in a country in the world where about 96 percent of the population is Muslim. This country is Azerbaijan. Here, after the implementation of new dress code rules in government schools, girl students and female teachers wearing hijab are facing problems. There have been reports of girl students not being allowed admission in schools at many places. After this, protests have started and the debate regarding religious freedom has intensified.
What is the reason for hijab controversy?
The reason for this dispute is Resolution No. 309 adopted by the Cabinet of Azerbaijan on 21 September. Under this, provisions have been made to ban clothing different from the prescribed uniform and dress code in schools. The government says its aim is to maintain a secular education system and enforce a uniform dress code in schools.
However, the government has not announced an outright ban on hijab. Despite this, according to media reports, hijab-wearing female students were prevented from attending classes when the new rules were implemented. Female teachers have also been accused of being instructed to remove headscarves.
Protest in schools, 37 people arrested
Protests took place in many areas including Baku against the new rules. According to reports, some students in schools No. 322 and 69 in Baku boycotted classes in support of hijab-wearing classmates. There was also news of girl students not being allowed admission in a school in Jalilabad because of headscarf.
On 12 October, Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry confirmed the arrest of 37 people in connection with these incidents. The police have accused them of disturbing public order and disrupting the functioning of schools.
Questions raised on religious freedom
The Constitution of Azerbaijan declares the country a secular state. While the government is pushing for a uniform dress code, human rights activists say that wearing hijab is a matter of personal belief and religious freedom. Teacher Zahra Hasanova also said that wearing or taking off the hijab should be a personal choice. Critics question whether wearing a head scarf hinders studies.