Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed promised wider consultation before proceeding with plans to demolish Bandaara Mosque, a nearly century-old Malé mosque formally known as Masjid Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddin, and replace it with a modern facility. The assurance came after his announcement triggered a significant public backlash on social media. Shaheem initially defended the decision, arguing the mosque is not listed among the Maldives' protected heritage sites. But he faced criticism from historians and heritage advocates who warned the demolition would cause irreversible damage to the nation's cultural heritage. The Maldives' cultural heritage registry has not been updated since 2019, missing three legally mandated biennial review cycles in 2021, 2023, and 2025, Adhadhu reported. Under the Heritage Protection Act, the National Centre for Heritage is required to update and publish the registry every two years.
Fenaka Corporation contracted a Dubai company called Definite Solutions to build a central powerhouse in Addu City. Upon completion of the US$ 31 million project by the end of 2027, the new powerhouse will have the capacity to generate 26.37 megawatts with new engines from the Anglo Belgian Corporation, Fenaka told state media. A previous powerhouse project awarded to China's Dongfang was scrapped, the state utility confirmed. Speaking at a rally held in Malé's artificial beach to launch the ruling party's 'The Greater Addu' campaign for the April 4 local council elections, President Muizzu said the project would resolve the longstanding problem of intermittent power outages in the southernmost atoll. He accused opposition-majority councils of obstructing infrastructure projects and urged voters to choose PNC candidates for the Addu City Council.
At the rally, President Muizzu contradicted his health minister: "We are not looking to ban shisha or cut the sugar subsidy or do anything like that." The government's approach would focus on public awareness campaigns, he added. Health Minister Abdulla Nazim had told reporters days earlier that both measures were under active discussion and that the health sector was "waiting for the day" they would be implemented.
President Muizzu's sister and MP for Faafu Nilandhoo, Fathimath Saudha, acknowledged MVR 2.4 million (US$ 155,600) in cash deposits into her account. She claimed it was a loan from a businessman but declined to disclose his identity when questioned by Adhadhu. The central bank reportedly flagged the deposits. Saudha claimed documentation was submitted to the bank. According to her financial disclosure to parliament, she earned MVR 990,000 in salary last year but MVR 78,000 remained in her account.
A 22-year-old Maldivian, Ibrahim Nabeeh Naseem from Thaa Guraidhoo, died in a Thai prison after being arrested at Don Mueang International Airport on February 22 on drug-related charges. Police confirmed receiving news of his death and said relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances.
The Supreme Court revealed that its full seven-judge bench was only available to work for 16 days over the past year, explaining the prolonged delay in hearing a constitutional challenge against anti-defection constitutional amendments, the court told Dhauru in response to an RTI request. The bench was reconstituted last year after the resignation of Justice Husnu Suood, the suspension and impeachment of Justices Azimralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, and the retirement of Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan.
Police issued a public summons for Hussein Yoosuf, 44, from Noonu Kudafari, to appear for questioning on March 18 in connection with TikTok posts allegedly insulting Islam, spreading religious discord, and disseminating false information about Islamic principles. It came after authorities were unable to serve him notice due to his whereabouts being unknown.
A diving vessel caught fire and sank off Addu City's Feydhoo harbour. MNDF firefighters responded around 1:30pm on Saturday and evacuated the crew to a nearby safari vessel. One person sustained burns to his leg and was treated and discharged from Feydhoo Health Centre.
A Maldivian FlyDubai captain who was stranded in Iran for four days after the outbreak of the war accused the Maldives embassy in the UAE of failing to assist him or his family, Adhadhu reported. Ahmed Jinan Shareef's flight landed in Isfahan shortly before the US-Israeli strikes began on February 28. With communications cut, his family in Dubai had no way of knowing whether he was alive. Jinan said FlyDubai provided continuous support to his wife while the embassy offered little beyond flight schedule screenshots and a promise to call the airline's CEO. He crossed into Azerbaijan by land on March 3 and returned to Dubai the following day. "Not a single message from the ambassador was among the thousands I received when I got signal back," he said. Ambassador Mohamed Hussain Shareef 'Mundhu' said Jinan had formed a "wrong impression" of embassy staff.
Customs foiled an attempt to smuggle 99,000 cigarette sticks by sea.
Bank of Maldives has issued loans to 89 fishermen through its dedicated Fisherman Portal since May 2025, following an agreement signed with the fisheries ministry in April. Eligible fishermen can access up to US$ 19,455 in Islamic financing without collateral for purposes including housing, education, vessel purchase or repair, and guesthouse investment, with repayment terms designed to accommodate seasonal fishing income.
Ooredoo Maldives shareholders approved a dividend of MVR 3.54 per share for 2025 at the company's annual general meeting on Wednesday. Abdulla Ali was elected to the board to represent general shareholders, replacing Mohamed Shahid. Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari was re-appointed by majority shareholder Wataniya International. KPMG was reappointed as auditor.
The home ministry opened applications for Commissioner of Police, inviting officers of Assistant Commissioner rank and above to apply by March 23. The vacancy arose after Commissioner Ismail Naveen's sudden retirement, with Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry currently serving in an acting capacity. Naveen's departure marked the second retirement of a police chief under the current administration in less than two years.
STELCO launched a new customer service portal called "Vashanee," allowing customers to access all utility services online, including bill payments, application submissions, and status tracking as part of the government's digitalisation initiatives.
