MOI mourns traffic awareness expert Abdulaziz Buhaiji

The Ministry of Interior has mourned the passing of retired Lt-Col and traffic awareness expert Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Yousif Buhaiji, a pioneering figure whose lifelong dedication to public service, road safety, and national loyalty left an enduring legacy across Bahrain and the wider Arab region.

Throughout a distinguished career that spanned decades, the late Buhaji became a leading voice in traffic awareness, embracing innovative approaches that brought him closer to the hearts of citizens and residents alike. 

His radio and television programmes, including the renowned "Path of Safety" and "Stop", became integral to public life, fostering a safety culture and responsible road usage among generations of Bahrainis.

Born in Muharraq in 1943, the late Buhajji pursued his early education locally before obtaining a diploma in Police Sciences from the Police College in Egypt in 1966. He began his career in the Customs Directorate before joining the Ministry of Interior in 1973, where he took on the role of Lieutenant in the Traffic Awareness Section of the Traffic Directorate. 

From that point forward, he dedicated himself to promoting road safety awareness with exceptional passion and professionalism, continuing his mission even after his official retirement in 2002.

His contributions were not limited to media programmes; he played a foundational role in establishing several key initiatives, including the General Committee for Road Safety, the School Traffic Awareness Committee, and the Public Transportation Committee for heavy transport owners. His dedication culminated in his authorship of a valuable documentary work titled "Glimpses from the History of Traffic in Bahrain (1914–1969)".

In recognition of his exemplary service, the late Buhaiji received several prestigious honours, including the Fifth Class Bahrain Medal in 1986, the First Class Distinguished Military Service Medal in 1988, the Long Service Medal in 1989, and the National Work Award in 1992. Additionally, the Muharraq Club honoured him as one of the distinguished pioneers of Muharraq in 1996.

His efforts extended to the regional and Arab levels, notably contributing to the launch of the Gulf Traffic Week initiative, where he represented Bahrain and helped unify traffic regulations across the Gulf Cooperation Council states. His style, marked by simplicity, eloquence, and use of the Bahraini dialect, allowed him to reach audiences effectively and promote behavioural change in road safety.

Prominent figures, including former and current officials, diplomats, and media personalities, paid tribute to his contributions. Former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Shaikh Duaj bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, described him as a pioneering figure in traffic awareness, while Ambassador Khalil Ibrahim Al Thawadi and First Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Jamal Fakhro, highlighted his profound impact on generations of Bahrainis through his programmes.

The Director-General of Traffic, Major-General Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulwahab Al Khalifa, affirmed that the late Buhaiji carried a noble message from the early stages of his career. Through tireless efforts, sincerity, and dedication, he contributed significantly to building a more traffic-conscious society. 

Additionally, numerous colleagues and contemporaries recalled his role in founding pioneering initiatives such as the "Traffic Kindergarten" and his invaluable presence at national and regional forums and conferences. The Arab Road Safety Organisation honoured him as the first Arab expert in traffic awareness.

The Ministries of Interior and the Ministry of Information extended their deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the family of the late Buhaiji and the media community in Bahrain, praising his outstanding contributions in raising traffic awareness through innovative initiatives and exceptional media programmes.

The Ministry of Interior concluded by recalling the late Buhaiji's memorable statement:
"Bahrain is a trust in the hands of the sons of the Ministry of Interior; serving the community is one of our core values, and working diligently and determinedly ensures the safety of every citizen and resident."

May God have mercy upon him, grant him paradise, and bestow patience upon his family and loved ones.