Silent protest ‘Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah’ launched against Rasmale’ project

A silent protest movement titled "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" (Maldivians’ Land for Maldivians) has been launched, calling for the suspension of the Rasmalé project, which involves the allocation of 500 hectares of land to UAE-based company Eagle Hills, citing concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the project.

Parties who oppose the project held a press conference on Monday to outline their concerns. During the briefing, former Home Minister Imran Abdulla said many believe the Rasmalé project is a deliberate and dangerous scheme aimed at undermining Maldivian sovereignty and transferring control to Zionist interests.

Imran noted that since the project agreement was signed on September 21st, individuals from various age groups, researchers, and members of the public have been protesting against the transfer of Rasmalé land to Eagle Hills.

"What we are initiating today is uniting the individual voices that have been speaking out against the sale of Rasmalé. Today, we announce a national movement under the slogan Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah," he said.

Imran stated that the movement would continue until the government suspends the Rasmalé project. He also stressed that not a single grain of Maldivian sand should be surrendered in a way that empowers Zionists.

Speaking at the same briefing, Ismail Zariyand, who previously contested the Malé mayoral election with the endorsement of PNF, argued that the project would not generate the financial returns projected by the government.

Zariyand estimated that the project would continue to operate at a loss until 2037, with total investment during that period reaching a maximum of USD 1.9 billion. He further projected that the government could incur losses ranging from USD 285 million to USD 430 million by 2037.

Meanwhile, both the government and Eagle Hills have responded to concerns raised by the opposition. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib announced that measures would be introduced to prevent Israeli citizens and affiliated companies from purchasing property under the Rasmalé project.

Additionally, Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar stated that the company conducts its business in accordance with the laws of the countries in which it operates. He added that the investment in the Maldives is expected to deliver significant benefits to the Maldivian people.