Freeing up Burqa and Naqab from public places - Belgium shows the way towards safer and more confident world

I would like to welcome the decision taken up by the Belgian parliament to keep public places free from Burqa and Naqab (worn by some Muslim women that covers a person's face fully or partially). This is a very important step taken up by any country on the matter of public safety, in these days of global terrorism. Belgium rightly deserves the credit to be pioneer in this front.

Wearing Burqa or Naqab in public places puts extra challenge on the people or authority who work on maintaining public safety. You can't see a face and hence don't know if some unauthorized person has entered into a building or moving around a public place. The images captured by CCTV cameras installed for public safety in various places will be of little use if a face can't be detected for later investigation. A couple of years ago, a jewellery shop in Mumbai (India) decided not the allow wearing burqa inside their shop, to prevent theft of marchandise. In the examination hall or at a job interview, it will be difficult to detect if someone has impersonated the actual candidate. There are numerous such examples that you can cite from your personal experiences.

Besides security issues, there are other matters of inconvenience if a person dealing with public (e.g. a teacher or public servant or sales person etc.) wears a Burqa while at work. Because it becomes a barrier for communication, and doesn't help in building up trust and confidence quickly. Hence it hinders learning process (in schools/colleges), building up trust and clarity of communication (in govt. or other public offices) and building up customer relationship (in commercial establishments).

As the matter is related to a religious practice, my opinion is to become aware and sensitive towards the need of the changing time and to apply our own judgment accordingly. Wearing a turban by a Shikh, a skull-cap by a Muslim, putting a vermilion or sandal powder dot on forehead by a Hindu or a carrying a small cross as locket by a Christian or some similar practice by people from other religions will not pose a security threat to the common public. But the same can't be said about wearing a Burqa. I believe people are free to practice their religious rights and custom, but should not cause inconveniences or discomfort to others. If so, then it should rather be considered as insensitivity towards other people and humanity in general.

On a lighter note, it definitely gives a good opportunity to the tasteful Muslim ladies to invest on some nice clothing and jeweleries. We should hear a lot of cheers from their side. However, a word of caution for the Muslim parents and husbands - get ready to accommodate a hole in your wallets!