President Dr. Muizzu has said that the Martyr’s Day is also a stark reminder of how the nation was betrayed for power.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of Martyr’s Day, President Dr. Muizzu said that Martyr’s Day is the result of the alliance between Hassan Rasgefaanu and the Portuguese. He said this alliance can be traced back to Kalhu Mohamed Rasgefaanu.

“As we mark Martyr’s day, it is a stark reminder of how the nation was betrayed by someone who wanted power. Our independence and heritage was sacrificed to gain power. It is a reminder that whoever did this had no love or care for the nation,” President Dr. Muizzu said.

Hassan Rasgefaanu travelled to Goa, India, to the Portuguese and is said to have left Islam as well.

President Dr. Muizzu said that ambergris, coir rope and cowries were invaluable during the time and Maldives was important due to its strategic location. For these reasons, Portuguese travelled to Maldives and murdered Ali Rasgefaanu in 1558 AD.

President Dr. Muizzu further added that every Maldivian should research history and learn about Martyr’s Day. He said the day stands witness to how the nation was betrayed for power and how Maldives was conquered by foreign forces.