hajam.ai
25 September 2026

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The 38th National Quran Recitation Competition has concluded, with Ismail Iz'aan Ibrahim in the Hafiz category, Aishath Zeek Riyaz in the non-memorization category, and Ayaan Ahmed Inan in the recitation by looking category winning first place overall. Speaking at the closing ceremony of this competition, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that the Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram, Sheikh Dr. Yasir Ad-Dawsari, is scheduled to make an official visit to the Maldives. Assistant Immigration Officer Aishath Mahidha, 26, who sustained serious injuries in a dangerous accident on Sosun Magu, passed away on 25 September 2026 while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital. Although police arrested 31-year-old Mehdi Hassan Imon of Bangladesh on suspicion of attempted self-harm after being rescued by the Coast Guard while perched on a pillar of the Sinamalé Bridge, the Criminal Court ordered his release considering his mental state. In a case involving the seizure of 3,345 grams of cannabis from two Indian passengers at Gan International Airport, the Maldivian man who went to collect the two individuals and the goods was taken into police custody. In D. Meedhoo, 40-year-old Abdulla Naseer was arrested for brewing alcohol at home, and the court remanded him for 10 days. Concern arose after the police headquarters advised that a complaint regarding the harassment and attack by a group on a RaajjeTV crew in D. Meedhoo should be lodged on official working days. Police are investigating a case in which a foreign woman was assaulted and robbed in R. Maduvvari. In the day's discussions, the importance of taking safety measures against ocean currents and attracting Maldivian youth to various employment sectors was highlighted.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed graced the special ceremony held at the Islamic Centre conference hall to conclude the 38th National Quran Recitation Competition and announce its winners. Among the participants who won first place across various categories in the entire competition were Ismail Iz'aan Ibrahim in the Hafiz category, Aishath Zeek Riyaz in the recitation from memory category, and Ayaan Ahmed Inaan in the recitation by looking category. The President presented the prestigious first-place winners with the President's Special Shield of Honour, a cash prize of MVR 100,000, and scholarships up to PhD level. Additionally, prizes awarded for various positions in the competition included cash awards and Umrah trips provided by institutions such as the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Hajj Corporation. A total of 138 participants competed in the final round of this competition, which featured major structural reforms, was digitalized online, and included international judges.

An issue surfaced on 25 September 2026 where a group affiliated with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) attacked Raajje TV journalists working in Dh. Meedhoo and obstructed their work. Following the obstruction and targeted attack on the journalists carrying out their responsibilities during this incident, many are expressing concern, stating that media freedom and the safety of journalists have been challenged. Relevant authorities have been urged to take action against the perpetrators of such acts, investigate the incident, and ensure justice.

A young female officer who sustained serious injuries in a dangerous accident on Sosun Magu on Friday, September 25, 2026, has passed away while undergoing treatment. Following the incident, emergency treatment was initiated for the injured officer at the hospital, but her life could not be saved due to the severe injuries sustained. It is reported that relevant authorities are further investigating the cause of the accident and the details of how the incident occurred.

As noted on 25 September 2026, relevant authorities have expressed concern over the declining rate of youth entering various fields of work. In relation to this issue, the importance of identifying the challenges faced in increasing the number of youth joining the workforce and finding appropriate solutions to them was highlighted. In addition, emphasis was placed on facilitating opportunities that appeal to youth, as well as increasing the training and educational opportunities necessary to advance in those fields. Furthermore, a call was made for relevant institutions and industry leaders to collaborate and carry out special efforts to resolve this issue.

A 31-year-old Bangladeshi man who jumped into the sea from the Sinamalé Bridge has been arrested by police while receiving treatment at the hospital, and the Criminal Court has remanded him in custody for five days. After this individual, who was residing in the Maldives illegally, jumped from the bridge, MNDF Coast Guard divers rescued him while he was clinging to a bridge pillar and transported him to IGMH for further treatment. The court ordered that his treatment proceed while in custody, and that he be presented to the court within 24 hours of his condition improving. Police are further investigating this case.

Police and relevant authorities revealed on 25 September 2026 that three people were arrested in a case involving an attempt to smuggle more than 3.3 kilograms of drugs into the Maldives via Gan International Airport. The drugs seized by the Maldives Customs Service, found during the baggage inspection of two passengers who arrived in the Maldives from India, amounted to a total of 3345 grams of cannabis. Along with the two passengers, a third person was arrested in connection with this case, and the seized drugs have now been transferred to police custody for further investigation. Police are further investigating and expanding inquiries into all aspects related to this network.

In the event of being caught in a strong ocean current, the most crucial thing to ensure personal safety is to stay calm and not panic. If such a situation arises, instead of trying to swim against the current, one should conserve physical strength and attempt to escape the current by swimming across it, parallel to the shoreline. Furthermore, floating on one's back on the water's surface to drift easily with the current to conserve energy, and calling out loudly or waving arms to seek help and draw attention if people are nearby, are vital steps that can be taken to save one's life from such dangers.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that Dr. Yasser Al-Dousari, Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, is scheduled to visit the Maldives. He revealed this while speaking at the ceremony held to announce the results of the 38th National Quran Recitation Competition. The Minister stated that the exact date of the visit of Dr. Yasser Al-Dousari, who has gained immense popularity among Maldivians, will be announced in the future. This marks the first time an Imam of Masjid al-Haram will be visiting the Maldives after a long hiatus of 43 years.

A Nepalese man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a foreign woman, throwing her to the ground, and robbing her of money in R. Maduvvari, following a report made to the police. While the police initiated an investigation upon receiving information that violence and robbery had occurred between the foreign woman and the man, the suspect was presented before the court to determine his remand status, where his detention period was extended. Furthermore, the police department is currently continuing to investigate further aspects related to this case.

A person from the island has been arrested in an operation conducted by the police in Dh. Meedhoo on suspicion of illegally producing and consuming alcohol. Following the arrest in connection with this case, the individual was presented to court to determine their remand, and the court granted a 10-day detention period. In connection with this incident, police are searching the equipment used to brew alcohol in the area and are investigating the case further.

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Politics

Among the major political developments on 25 September 2026, former Home Minister Umar Naseer stated that during his presidency, he would completely halt the state budget allocation of approximately 30 million Rufiyaa annually to political parties and redirect the funds towards research. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu responded to debates, assuring that employees of state-owned enterprises would not be dismissed all at once suddenly, and stating that under the Rasmalé Eagle Hills agreement, 500 hectares of land were leased long-term without being sold and without a state guarantee. The opposition alleged that employees of state-owned companies were being threatened with dismissal from their jobs if they went to welcome former President Abdulla Yameen. In addition, the government has commenced efforts to empower the 20-year national development master plan by law. The government announced that a list of basic services in the islands has been compiled and that small and medium projects will be completed by the year 2028. Work has also begun to allocate a plot of land in Malé to construct the new Supreme Court building. The government opened the opportunity for the public to submit questions to the program where ministers answer the public's inquiries. Maldivian media highlighted the case in which the Supreme Court of India ruled that not singing the national anthem for religious reasons is not a criminal offense. The Chief Justice spoke regarding the role of judges in the administration of justice. President Muizzu sent condolences on the passing of the sibling of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Health

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a safety alert regarding a thyroid medication. Details of efforts underway to find a solution to the issue of illegible doctors' prescriptions were also disclosed. In addition, IGMH has announced that a health camp including specialized surgeries and tests for women is scheduled to be held from October 4 to 6 at the Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in G.Dh. Thinadhoo.

Education

In an interview given to PSM News on 25 September 2026, Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu announced that Cambridge has arranged for schools to directly view students' examination papers and received marks alongside the O-Level examination results. The Minister noted that this change would provide teachers the opportunity to thoroughly analyze the papers written by students, further ease the process of submitting for rechecking in cases where results are questioned, and reduce unnecessary rechecking submissions.