Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, expressed appreciation for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's commendation of the government's efforts, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, during the commemoration of Ashoora. The Minister highlighted the preparations and facilities provided to ensure the success of the occasion.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Interior Minister expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for directives to provide all necessary requirements for the success of Ashoora. He also commended the support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for ensuring that all means are available to safeguard religious freedoms, preserve social cohesion and stability, and enhance the spirit of cooperation and solidarity across society.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah praised the efforts of Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, and Chairman of the Islamic Endowments Affairs Council, for their cooperation and coordination in the organizational and supervisory measures that contributed to the success of Ashoora. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Maatam leaders, organizers, religious speakers, and Hussaini poem reciters, whose efforts ensured a successful observance of the event in a secure and reassuring atmosphere despite regional tensions.
The Interior Minister emphasized that Maatam leaders were committed to ensuring the organizational process was conducted efficiently and with discipline, contributing to the safety and security of mourners and participants. This was achieved through continuous cooperation and coordination with security and service authorities via community partnership.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah also expressed appreciation to mourners and participants for adhering to organizational procedures and contributing to the success of the occasion while preserving its religious nature, free from external influences. He stressed the importance of building on this success to serve as a foundation and guiding approach for future Ashoora commemorations and to achieve community objectives.
The Minister noted that the police dealt with violations and irregularities according to legal procedures and took necessary measures to ensure the success of Ashoora. He praised the Bahrain Police for their continuous efforts to safeguard national security and their professionalism in maintaining Bahrain's standing.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah extended his gratitude to the Chief of Police, governors, the directors-general of police directorates in the governorates, Civil Defence, Traffic, Community Police, and other security directorates for their contributions to Ashoora's success. He also thanked relevant service authorities, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and all entities that provided services during the event.
The Interior Minister concluded by emphasizing the need for Ashoora to remain a religious observance free from politicization, external influences, or incitement. He stated that this approach has long characterized Ashoora in Bahrain and reflects the shared responsibility to observe religious rituals in line with applicable regulations, national responsibility, and community awareness while safeguarding the Kingdom's supreme interests.