Poet Hassan Shakir Mohamed appointed President of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy after Ashraf’s resignation

Renowned poet and writer Hassan Shakir Mohamed has been appointed President of the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, following the resignation of Ashraf Abdul Raheem on December 31.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu nominated Shakir for the post, and all five members of the Academy voted in favor of his appointment. The Academy welcomed the decision, noting Shakir’s longstanding contributions to Dhivehi literature.

Shakir most recently served as Director General of the Information Commission (ICOM), and previously as a member of the media council.

A prolific literary figure, Shakir received the Honorary Prize in Maldivian Language and Literature in 2002. He has written and published eight books, including five self‑initiated works: a collection of humorous literature titled Veegoiy, a tribute to inspirational figures he encountered, and three volumes of poetry.

In addition to his books, Shakir has edited and published several newspapers and magazines, and composed songs, poems, and hymns for government institutions, public events, and student competitions. He is widely recognized for making Maldivian literature more accessible to the public.

Shakir was awarded the Public Service Encouragement Award for book writing in 1998, and the Encouragement Award for Service to Maldivian Literature in 2007.

Since founding the association in 2010 to promote Dhivehi literary work, Shakir has played a central role in its activities, running poetry courses, mentoring writers, and judging literary competitions.