Imran calls for a public referendum if there are considerations to settle followers of other religions in Maldives, while urging public to join Friday's gathering

Former Home Minister and leader of the national movement, Sheikh Imran Abdulla, has called for a mass turnout at Friday night’s rally, asserting that if President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu intends to facilitate the residency of followers of other faiths in the Maldives, such a decision must only be made through a public referendum.

Speaking on Friday's "Fashaairu" program, Imran stated that anyone who believes in maintaining the Maldives as a 100 percent Islamic nation and upholding its independence and sovereignty must raise their voice on this matter.

We have only one demand. Our sole demand is that if President Muizzu intends to allow followers of other faiths to settle in this one hundred percent Islamic nation, he must do so only by conducting a public referendum and acting in accordance with the will of the Maldivian people.

Sheikh Imran Abdulla

Imran noted that the government is well aware that the public would not accept the settlement of followers of other religions in the Maldives. However, he stated that if a public referendum were held and 80 percent of the population supported such a move, he would respect the people's decision and cease his efforts against it.

Furthermore, Imran called for the widest possible public participation in the movement's upcoming rally. He also noted that those unable to attend in person could express their solidarity by commenting during the live broadcast, or by displaying the national flag and using national colors from their balconies to show their support.

Imran stated that efforts must be made to safeguard the nation's independence and Islamic unity, warning that failure to take action at such a critical juncture would lead to future regret.