In a letter addressed to the family of late Ismail Zakariyya, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has offered his condolences following the death of the former parliamentarian.

The letter was penned to Fathimath Ibrahim, widow of the deceased and the president conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family.

Highlighting Zakariyya’s invaluable contributions as a Member of Parliament for Raa Atoll constituency, the president added that the late ex-MP’s services to the country during his long tenure in the government were invaluable.

Zakariyya passed away on September 14 at the age of 79, while receiving treatment for the global Covid-19 infection.

Native to Kanduhulhudhoo island of Raa atoll, Zakariyya succumbed to the virus while receiving treatment on ventilator support, at the 11th floor of Dharumavantha Hospital. Sources report that the former parliamentarian had tested positive for the infection on August 14, after coming into direct contact with a family member who tested positive.

He was taken to Hulhumalé Medical Facility on August 14 and moved to Dharumavantha Hospital a few days later after his condition deteriorated.

Zakariyya had served for the government for many years, having served as a parliamentarian in the 70’s and he last worked at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment as well as a Maintenance Coordinator at the Center for Social Education.