DUSHANBE, October 11, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Committee on Religious Affairs (CRA) under the Government of Tajikistan has not adopted any official instructions putting ban on beards and hijab wearing in the country, the CRA deputy director Mavlon Mukhtorov remarked at a news conference in Dushanbe today.

“The committee has not adopted any official instructions banning hijab wearing in public and other places, it has just recommended having respect for national dress traditions and adhering to them,” Mukhtorov noted.

This concerns beard wearing as well, the CRA official added.  “There are no bans on wearing a beard in the country; it is one of Islamic traditions and we do not have the right to ban beard wearing.  Ministries, organizations, enterprises and educational facilities, however, have their own rules and discipline that must be adhered to,” Mukhtorov said.