Local sources say the Taliban have made growing beards and wearing turbans mandatory for professors and staff members of Helmand State University.
The sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Saturday, September 5, that during a two-day seminar, the Taliban instructed professors and university staff to grow beards and wear turbans.
According to the sources, the seminar was held to reform the appearance and conduct of professors and staff members.
The sources said the head of the Taliban’s Ulema Council in Helmand told participants that all university staff and professors must follow the orders of the Taliban and the group’s morality enforcers.
Professors were also reportedly told that those working under the Taliban regime should not support “nationalism, secularism and democracy.”
They were further instructed to teach students material that supports the Taliban regime and opposes republican systems during their classes.
The sources added that professors have been tasked with ensuring that students’ appearance and conduct also comply with the Taliban’s principles.
According to the sources, students who refuse to comply with these orders should not be allowed to enter classrooms.
