Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has called on the people to prioritise national interest and duties, and take personal responsibility in fighting the global pandemic of COVID-19.
In a speech delivered to commemorate the Martyrs' Day in Maldives, Home Minister Imran said while Maldives marks the fight of Martyr Ali Rasgefaanu for the sovereignty of the nation, it is important to consider the efforts of the various people serving the country after leaving their families at homes. He particularly highlighted the work of Maldivian healthcare professionals, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service (MPS) and other volunteers serving at the front lines during this gruesome time and applauded their efforts.
Minister Imran said the Martyrs' Day marked in the Maldives tells the public the importance of solidarity during difficult times. He called the people to work with the government and observe the guidelines issued by the authorities.
Furthermore, Minister Imran called on the people to take personal responsibility and put forth the national interests after refraining from spreading false information that creates fear and panic in the community during this difficult time. The minister said one of the important lessons of the Martyrs' Day is that the sovereignty, peace and solidarity of a nation do not only depend on the work of the governments but rather is more dependent on the friendship and solidarity amongst the citizens.
The home minister also highlighted the importance of the Islamic faith in the sovereignty and solidarity of the nation. He called on the youth to learn important lessons from the Martyr's Day to better their conduct and service to the nation.
Maldives commemorates all Maldivian martyrs on the day Sultan Ali VI was killed at the hands of the Portuguese invaders in 1558. It is marked on the first of Sha'baan, the eighth month of the Islamic Calendar, to renew the memories of the Maldivian martyrs who died fighting for the country.