Petition submitted to protect Bandara Mosque as historical site
The proposal to demolish the mosque has also prompted discussion among historians and heritage advocates.
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A petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis calling for the protection of the Bandara Mosque, also known as Masjid-e-Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddin, as a historical monument.
The petition was submitted by Hussain Furshan, who is contesting the upcoming local council elections representing the Maldivian Democratic Party.
The move follows an announcement by Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stating that the mosque would be demolished and a new mosque built at the site.
In the petition submitted on Saturday, Furshan said the mosque has historical significance due to its connection to events linked to the Maldives’ relationship with British protection and the end of that arrangement.
The petition also states that several locations connected to the country’s independence period were removed in later years.
Under the parliamentary petition process, members of the public have 42 days, or six weeks, to sign the petition through the government’s ePetitions system using eFaas.
According to the rules governing petitions:
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A petition may be submitted to parliament if it receives at least 500 signatures and is presented through a member of parliament
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If the petition reaches 840 signatures, it will be brought to the attention of the government
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If it receives 2,100 signatures, it will be debated in parliament
The proposal to demolish the mosque has also prompted discussion among historians and heritage advocates.
Historian Mohamed Naaji Didi criticised the decision earlier, leading to exchanges on social media between him and Minister Shaheem.
Following public discussion, Shaheem said the ministry is open to discussions on the issue.
“The ministry will listen to the public. We want to discuss the construction of a new mosque,” Shaheem said in a social media post that included a photo of the mosque.
