E-petition submitted to Parliament to preserve Bandaara Mosque as a historical site
An e-petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis calling for the protection of Male’s Bandaara Mosque as a heritage site following government plans to demolish the structure to build a modern mosque. As members of the public and historians voice their concerns over the proposed demolition, the petition aims to preserve the site’s archaeological and national significance. Should the petition garner the required number of signatures, the matter will be formally tabled for debate on the Majlis floor.
An archival photograph of Bandaara Mosque: Approaching its centenary, this mosque is recognized by many Maldivian historians as a significant historical heritage site. | Dhivehi Archives by Najih Didi | Dhivehi Archives by Najih Didi
An e-petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis requesting that the Bandaara Mosque in Male’, also known as Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen, be protected as a historical heritage site.
The petition was submitted to Parliament by Hussain Furushan, a candidate contesting for the North Maafannu constituency in the upcoming local council elections.
The petition was submitted following remarks by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, expressing his intention to demolish the Bandaara Mosque and replace it with a grander, modern mosque. The Minister stated that the Bandaara Mosque is not classified as a historical heritage site and expressed a desire for broad consultations regarding the construction of a new mosque at the location. Furthermore, the Minister noted that a generous donor has already committed the necessary assistance to fund the construction of a large, modern mosque on the site of the current Bandaara Mosque.
The petition submitted by Furushan highlights the unique significance of the Male’ Bandaara Mosque, noting its deep historical ties to the Maldives' period of British protectorate status and the subsequent journey to independence. It asserts that the mosque remains the sole surviving landmark connected to the nation's liberation from British rule. According to the petition, all other sites associated with the Maldives' independence from the British have since been demolished. Consequently, the Bandaara Mosque stands as the only remaining physical monument preserving the memory of that pivotal era in the country's history.
Following Minister Shaheem’s announcement that the Bandaara Mosque is to be demolished, many have taken to social media to criticize the decision and call for the site’s preservation. Dr. Hassan Hameed, the former Rector of the Maldives National University, also condemned the move, stating that demolishing the mosque would be an act of destroying national heritage. Dr. Hassan emphasized the significance of historical landmarks, noting that he has observed a lack of love for Maldivian history and the nation among some locals who have become overly enamored with foreign influences.
Furthermore, after historical researcher Mohamed Najih Didi criticized the move, Islamic Minister Shaheem engaged in a social media dispute with him, defending the decision to demolish the site. However, following a wave of public outcry on social media from heritage advocates opposing the demolition of the Bandaara Mosque, Shaheem stated that he is now open to further consultations on the matter.
A period of 42 days, or six weeks, will be granted to collect signatures for petitions submitted to the People’s Majlis. Individuals can sign e-petitions using the eFaas portal. A petition will be formally accepted by the Majlis once it secures at least 500 signatures and is sponsored by a Member of Parliament. If a petition reaches 840 signatures, it will be brought to the government's attention. Furthermore, if 2,100 signatures are collected, the petition will be debated on the Majlis floor and processed as a formal matter.
