The Bangladesh Army has officially allowed female soldiers to wear hijabs as part of their military uniform under new directives. This move, which was confirmed during a PSO conference on September 3, marks a major shift in the dress code for women serving in the armed forces. Female officers, nursing staff, and other service members who choose to wear the hijab can now do so, adding a new dimension to the military’s uniform policy.
The new guidelines specify how the hijab will be incorporated into various types of military attire, including combat uniforms, working uniforms, and traditional sarees. To ensure consistency across the ranks, the army is preparing samples detailing fabric type, color, and measurements. All female soldiers opting to wear the hijab must submit colored photographs of themselves in the approved attire to the relevant authorities for review.
Since the recruitment of women began in 1997, the Bangladesh Army has continuously adapted to include women in its ranks. Female officers first joined in 2000, and by 2013, women were allowed to serve as soldiers. However, restrictions remain, as women are not permitted to serve in frontline roles, such as in the infantry and armor corps. The latest decision to allow the hijab offers more freedom of choice for religious expression while maintaining uniformity in military regulations.
This development has sparked public discussions about the evolving role of women in the military. While some see this as a positive step toward accommodating religious diversity within the armed forces, others question the implications for the future of secularism in Bangladesh’s military institutions. Nevertheless, the optional nature of the hijab provides female soldiers with the flexibility to make personal choices, reflecting a growing trend toward inclusivity in the Bangladesh Army.
