DUSHANBE, September 15, 2009, Asia-Plus – At the suggestion of Tajikistan''s Islamic Renaissance Party, education officials are meeting with parents to discuss a ban on the wearing of the hijab, or Islamic headscarf, in schools in northwest Sughd province, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reported on September 14.

Saidmukhtor Jalolov of the Education Ministry recently introduced a new school uniform that allows national scarves but forbids students from wearing the hijab.

Officials told RFE/RL on September 11 that the Education Ministry has received 10 complaints from parents who want their daughters to have their head covered while attending school.

High school student Nilufar Zohidova said she kept wearing her veil to school despite the ban and was expelled after four days.

Tajik newspapers last week quoted anonymous education officials who said that the rule against the hijab will also soon be enforced on teachers.

Several university students were expelled from school last year as well.