Dr. Ashraf: Many continue to be denied true freedom

There are people from all walks of life in Maldives who are denied the chance to enjoy true freedom, states Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem, president of the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy (DBA).

He made the remark in a message on the digital book “Gofikolhu” released by the DBA on occasion of Maldives’ Independence Day on Wednesday.

In a message, written under the title ‘Minivankamuge Ufalaai Hithaama” which translates to “The Happiness and Sorrow of Independence”, Ashraf said that Maldives has tasted trade and economic slavery, and faced constant threats from the Malabar.

He said that the 1988 terror attack on the Maldivian capital was an incident that proved the country needs to constantly alert to threats to its independence.

Ashraf said that the victims of street harassment and sexual assault on the streets, the children who are victim to sexual abuse and bullying, and the victims of domestic violence, are among the many Maldivian citizens who continue to be denied true freedom.

He stressed the need to maintain principles that the entire Maldivian society can stand behind.

He urged the Maldivian people to choose the path of Islam, and practice kindness and compassion.

“Learn compassion and respect – through education and through upbringing. Through example,” he said.

DBA’s latest ‘Gofikolhu’ includes works of litrature from Uz. Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa and Abdulla Naeem, on the theme of independence.