President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu underscored the profound national duty incumbent upon every citizen to draw lessons and inspiration from the sacrifices of martyrs, thereby securing a brighter future for the nation. This sentiment was expressed in a social media post commemorating Martyrs' Day, observed today.
In his post, President Dr Muizzu extended his best wishes to all citizens, stressing the critical importance of reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for the country's independence. He reiterated that it is the paramount national duty of every citizen to honour the martyrs and heroes who fought for the nation's freedom by drawing inspiration from their sacrifices and taking necessary actions to secure a prosperous future for the country.
Adding to the commemorations, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef also took to social media to mark the occasion. In his post, Vice President Latheef extended his best wishes to the citizens and prayed for Almighty Allah to grant eternal paradise to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Martyrs' Day commemorates the death of Sultan Ali VI, who heroically fought against the Portuguese and perished on the battlefield in 1558. Sultan Ali VI is venerated as a national hero and martyr. The Maldives began observing Martyrs' Day on the first day of Sha'ban in the Islamic calendar year 1400, corresponding to 14 June 1980.
This observance symbolises the enduring spirit of freedom and nationalism in the Maldives, commemorating the martyrdom of Sultan Ali VI and honouring the sacrifices made by countless others in the pursuit of the nation's independence.