Nearly Three Centuries On, President Muizzu Says Dhon Bandaarain’s Legacy of Sovereignty Still Resonates

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has paid tribute to Al-Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin, widely remembered as Dhon Bandaarain, as the Maldives commemorates Huravee Day. In a message posted to social media, the president described the historic victory led by Dhon Bandaarain against foreign occupiers as a defining symbol of sovereignty and resilience.

Extending greetings to citizens, President Muizzu underscored the lasting significance of Dhon Bandaarain’s national Jihad, noting that this year marks 281 years since the struggle that secured the nation’s freedom.

Huravee Day recalls the liberation of the Maldives from Malabar rule, a period marked by slavery, destruction, and widespread suffering. President Muizzu recounted that the occupation brought devastation to Malé, including the burning of many places, the holding of the then-Sultan hostage, and the infliction of "inhumane torture" upon the Maldivian people. The oppressive control endured for nearly three months, defined by calamity and despair, before the liberation campaign began.

"It has been 281 years today since the brave national Jihad delivered the Maldives from the danger posed by the Holhin [Malabar invaders], who set fire to many places in Malé, held the Sultan who was present at that time hostage, inflicted extensive inhumane suffering upon the Maldivian people, and introduced dreadful days of captivity to this nation," President Muizzu wrote.

The president framed the struggle as a national Jihad, led by Dhon Hassan Manikufaanu of Muleege, later renowned as Muleege Dhon Bandaarain and formally recognised as Al-Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin. To reclaim independence, Dhon Bandaarain assembled an army of approximately 200 warriors who fought against the Malabar. The victory achieved through this campaign remains the central focus of today’s commemoration.

President Muizzu asserted that the episode demonstrates Dhon Bandaarain’s wisdom, vigilance, and deep compassion for the Maldivian homeland. He stressed that Dhon Bandaarain’s actions continue to resonate across the nation, even as the event approaches its third century.

"The wisdom, shrewdness, and deep compassion for the homeland exhibited by Dhon Bandaarain through this historical incident remain vibrantly alive on this soil with gratitude, even as this event approaches its third century," President Muizzu wrote.

In concluding his message, President Muizzu offered prayers to Almighty Allah, wishing for the Maldives to remain in independence and prosperity. He underscored that Dhon Bandaarain’s wisdom, shrewdness, and compassion will endure forever.

First Lady echoes President Muizzu in affirming national identity and sovereignty on Huravee Day

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, echoing the message of President Muizzu, highlighted the enduring themes of national identity and sovereignty embodied by the Maldivian hero Dhon Bandaarain.

In a message posted on social media, the first lady extended congratulations to the Maldivian people on the occasion of Huravee Day. She expressed pride and conveyed gratitude and praise for what she described as Dhon Bandaarain’s “valuable national Jihad.”

Her statement highlighted the defining characteristics she hopes Maldivians will continue to uphold. “Congratulations and felicitations on Huravee Day are extended to the beloved Maldivian citizens, while expressing pride in Dhon Bandaarain’s valuable national Jihad and reiterating profound gratitude and praise,” she wrote.

She closed her message with a prayer, invoking divine guidance for the nation’s future. “I offer prayers to Almighty Allah, wishing for Maldivians to always be maintained as a people who prioritise the nation, protect independence and self-identity, and remain civilised, happy, and prosperous. Amen,” she wrote.

Huravee Day is observed each year on the third day of Jumada al‑Akhira, marking Dhon Bandaarain’s liberation of the Maldives from Malabar control.