Planners’ Association Condemns Plan to Demolish Bandara Mosque

The Association of Maldivian Planners has condemned plans to demolish the nearly century-old Bandara Mosque, warning that the move would undermine efforts to preserve the Maldives’ remaining historical sites.

In a press statement, the association said the mosque is about 98 years old and is one of the few historic structures still standing in the Malé area. The group noted that several historical sites in the country have gradually disappeared in recent years, stressing the need to safeguard those that remain.

According to the planners’ association, Bandara Mosque is registered as a historical site with the National Centre for Cultural Heritage. Under the Cultural Heritage Act, structures that are 75 years or older are considered historical sites, placing a legal responsibility on the government to protect and preserve them.

Built 98 years ago by Bohra merchants, the Bandaara Mosque is a rare survivor of Malé’s history. The Association of Maldivian Planners strongly objects to its destruction. We must safeguard our heritage and this vital link to our identity before it is lost. pic.twitter.com/yOccUy8vE4— Association of Maldivian Planners (@raajjeplanners) March 10, 2026

The association also argued that urban development should be planned in a way that works around historical sites rather than removing them. From an urban planning perspective, it said, development should allow historical and cultural landmarks to coexist with modern infrastructure.

It further noted that several mosques already exist within a short distance of Bandara Mosque, including the Islamic Centre, Ziyaaraiy Mosque and Kalhuvakaru Mosque, all located within about 200 metres. As such, the association said a lack of prayer space is not a valid justification for demolishing the historic structure.

The group concluded by expressing “strong condemnation” of plans to remove the mosque, calling for the protection and preservation of historical sites.

The controversy follows remarks by Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who said on Friday that work to redevelop Bandara Mosque to modern standards would begin after Ramadan with support from a private donor.

Shaheem said the mosque is not listed as a protected historical site and argued that the age of a building alone does not require it to be preserved in its original form. He compared the situation to major Islamic sites that have undergone expansion and renovation over time to accommodate more worshippers.

The minister also said the mosque needs to be enlarged due to increasing population pressure in the market area, particularly during Ramadan.

However, the proposed redevelopment has drawn criticism from historians and members of the public. Historical researcher Najih Didi warned that replacing the nearly 100-year-old mosque would result in irreversible cultural loss and could contradict heritage protection laws.

Former heritage minister Yumna Maumoon described the mosque as an important religious, historical and cultural structure protected under the Cultural Heritage Act.

Former justice minister Mohamed Muizzu Adnan also cautioned against demolishing the structure, saying it is among the few remaining historical buildings in Malé. Former government official Adnan Haleem similarly argued that the mosque should be preserved as a reflection of the country’s historical craftsmanship and community heritage.

The issue has also reached Parliament, where an e-petition has been submitted calling for the protection of Bandara Mosque as a historical site.The petition was submitted three days after minister Shaheem said the mosque is not listed as a protected heritage site and expressed interest in discussing the possibility of constructing a new mosque at the same location.

According to its website, the Association of Maldivian Planners was established to help preserve the environmental, social and economic aspects of the Maldives while promoting inclusive approaches to urban development. The association says it aims to advance the urban planning profession in the country and raise public awareness about the long-term impacts and consequences of planning decisions.