Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin honoree Ibrahim Rasheed has passed away on Sunday following a prolonged battle for his health, at the age of 92.

The late Ibrahim Rasheed began his decades of distinguished national service on 24 November 1942. Ibrahim Rasheed, popularly known as Karankaa Rasheed, first worked as a secretary at what was then known as the Rayyithunge Bodu Store, which would later become State Trading Organization (STO).

Ibrahim Rasheed, who was conferred with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin in 2011 by former President Mohamed Nasheed, also served as secretary to the first President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Amin Dhoshimeynaa Kilegefaanu. The late Ibrahim Rasheed went on to serve in many high-level government positions, including at the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs, in addition to serving in the Parliament.

Rasheed was a close associate of Ibrahim Nasir, and played a pivotal role in liberating the Maldives from Britain and establishing the Second Republic.

The late Ibrahim Rasheed was a progressive thinker, credited with spearheading efforts to build English-medium schools, hospitals and health centers in the Maldives, in addition to supporting key national projects to develop transport and telecommunications in the country.

Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin honoree Ibrahim Rasheed passed away at the age of 92, with over 65 years of his life dedicated to serving the Maldivian people. The national flag will fly at half-mast for the next three days to honor his memory and his invaluable contributions to the Republic of Maldives.