President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that it is the national duty of Maldivians to look at the bigger picture of the Martyrs' Day battle and learn lessons from it.

In his address on the occasion of Martyrs' Day, the President said that Maldives saw a Martyrs' Day because of the relationship established by King Hassan, the grandson of King Mohammed, with the Portuguese.

"Therefore, when the day of martyrs comes, there are big betrayals on the other side. Throwing the country into ruin for the sake of selfishness and power. Sacrificing the property, freedom, and religion of the people," he explained.

After having established ties with the Portuguese, King Hassan left the island and went to Kochi, India, and then to Goa directly to the Portuguese court.

The Portuguese marched to the Maldives at the request of King Hassan, and succeeded in assassinating King Ali on May 19, 1558.

"I think it is the national duty of every Maldivian today to look at the bigger picture of the entire war and the incident," he said.