The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) expressed its deep concern over the persistence of terrorist acts, including blocking roads, spilling oil in the streets and deliberate arson.
BCCI Chairman Dr. Esam Abdulla Fakhro strongly condemned those “criminal” acts that constitute a direct and flagrant violation of the citizens and residents’ rights, security and freedoms, calling upon NGOs and citizens to stand united against such illegal practices which “contravene the religious precepts and the deep-rooted Bahraini values of tolerance, fraternity, patriotism and rejection of violence and extremism.” Dr. Fakhro also warned that such a “dangerous escalation” by outlaws may have serious negative impacts on the Bahraini society, as it may trigger sectarian clashes, which, he said, may lead the country to the unknown, holding instigators, inside and outside the kingdom, fully responsible for the pernicious repercussions of those criminal deeds. He also asserted that the trade sector can no longer put up with those criminal and terrorist practices, calling upon clerics to assume their roles by renouncing dissension and promoting national unity and values of solidarity and love among members of the Bahraini society so as to maintain the kingdom’s social, development and economic marches.
BCCI Chairman pointed out that those “chaotic” activities lay bare those perpetrators and uncover their malicious intentions and false claims of being “peaceful”.
He also praised the efforts made so far by security authorities to maintain order and secure vital economic and trade sites, stressing the need to double efforts and take more stringent measures in order to avert the recurrence of those criminal practices which are in “disharmony with the requirements of development in modern societies whose economic progress can flourish only in stable conditions.”
“What is going on is totally incompatible with our development, social and economic goals,” he affirmed.
Dr. Fakhro also stressed that instigators should be aware that the persistence of those acts may cripple private sector companies and make them unable to reinstate dismissed workers or create new job opportunities for Bahraini job-seekers. He also urged all parties to put an end to all kinds of sectarian polarization aimed to drive wedges between members of the one-family Bahraini society and spread panic among them, adding that all groups are required to oppose such acts and join hands for the sake of safeguarding national unity and hard-won achievements.
“Freedom of expression is guaranteed for all parties provided that they adhere to the law and constitutional channels,” he also said.
Dr. Fakhro also asserted BCCI and the trade community’s full-fledged support for the measures taken by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to re-establish security, public order and national unity.