In the 70s, I remember my parents used to watch the 8pm news bulletin on television avidly as this contained a segment during which the deaths of citizens were announced.
They considered this an important part of Bahraini culture, a sign of a deep-rooted relationship and an essential pillar of communication between citizens.
Due to the lack of social media platforms and the countless apps currently available, those who wished to report a death in the family then had to visit the Information Ministry and provide the details.
However, today, due to the technological development in modern communication methods and the availability of digital options and social media, things have changed a lot. For example, an account was created to announce the deaths on Instagram which contributed greatly to spreading such news rapidly.
But I would suggest that an official government agency take over the responsibility of providing this key service, in continuation of the yeoman service which was being provided by the Information Ministry in the 70s – and as is still the practice in the UAE and Kuwait.
Unifying the announcement of deaths through a government agency would be a positive step towards strengthening national unity and the social fabric of Bahraini society. This step would also come as part of efforts of the government to promote justice and equality among citizens, regardless of their religious or social affiliations.
By creating a unified platform, it would become easier for everyone to access information related to deaths in a transparent and organised manner, which would contribute to reducing any sensitivities or misunderstandings that may arise as a result of the different announcement mechanisms.
It would also reflect the spirit of co-operation and harmony between the different segments of society, and emphasise the importance of dealing with life and death issues with a sense of responsibility and respect.
By unifying the announcement mechanism, barriers would be broken between different sects, which will reflect equality in dealing with all citizens. The agency can provide a unified and fast channel to obtain accurate and reliable information, making it easier for families to inform the community of the death of one of their members.
It will also contribute to reducing duplicate efforts and confusion resulting from different announcement methods, thereby providing a more professional and organised service. This initiative will contribute to reducing sectarian tensions and enhance the values of coexistence.
Therefore, it is necessary to educate the public about the importance of this service and its benefits through various media outlets, and to provide an electronic application that makes it easy for citizens to submit requests or announcements directly, in addition to involving community leaders from different sects to enhance confidence in the new platform.
The initiative I am proposing is not just an organisational measure, but rather a message that carries the meanings of justice, respect and equality for all components of society. When we face these issues with a spirit of co-operation and humanity, there is no doubt that we will establish strong foundations for a cohesive, prosperous and advanced society.
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