Bangladesh, March 25 -- Switzerland has issued its first fine under the countrys newly enforced nationwide face-covering ban, colloquially known as the ‘burqa ban. A woman in Zurich was penalized after wearing a burqa in public, according to a report by local outlet Blick on March 23. The fine of 100 Swiss francs ($110) marks the first instance of the law being enforced since it came into effect earlier this year.

The contentious legislation, passed via a 2021 referendum with 51.2% support, prohibits face coverings in public spaces. The law applies not only to Muslim garments such as burqas and niqabs but also to masks and balaclavas worn by demonstrators, sports hooligans, and other individuals covering their faces in public. Crit...