Social media users have protested against the government's plan to demolish the historic Bandara Mosque.
Historian Naajih Didi, former Justice Minister Mohamed Muizzu Adnan, Writer Adnan Haleem and Historian Shamoon Jaleel (Lucas Jaleel) were among the social media users who condemned the government's plan.
In a post on X, Naajih said the nearly 100-year-old Bandara Mosque must be protected.
"This should not be done at all! Destroying such a place that is associated with a special historical event in the Maldives and is now 98 years old is irreparable damage to history! And it is against the Cultural Heritage Protection Act!"
Responding to the post, Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem said the Bandara Mosque is not included in the list of ancient mosques.
Shaheem claimed mosques do not have to remain the same and highlighted the lack of space in Male'.
“The Bandara Mosque has to be expanded because the area is crowded, especially the mosque is crowded especially during Ramadan,” Shaheem said.
The Bandara Mosque was built by the Bohra merchants of India. For about 40 years, the mosque was used only by the Bohra people.
They are a Shia Muslim trading community from Gujarat, and the mosque had the same characteristics as their Shia mosques.
The mosque remained unused for years after former President Ibrahim Nasir banned the Bohra merchants in 1962.
In December 1966, the mosque was renovated to be used as a public mosque.
