News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — In a move to uphold transparency, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has dismissed Ahmed Daud, a 28-year-old under secretary for digital strategy, for providing false statements during an investigation into the tragic fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a nine-story building. The decision, announced Wednesday, addresses rising public calls for accountability in a nation wary of political impunity.
Rasheed’s fall from the ninth floor of Fentenoy House in April shocked the Maldives, sparking protests and raising questions of foul play. A special commission, appointed by President Muizzu and led by Dr. Mohamed Munawwar, a former Attorney General, was tasked with clarifying the events. The commission, comprising Brigadier General (Ret.) Ahmed Mohammed, Dr. Moosa Murad, Ms. Jabeen Mohamed, and Ms. Aminath Enaas, conducted a thorough inquiry, examining 49 audiovisual documents, 81 police evidence files, 14 CCTV footages, and 12 additional documents across 40 sittings.
The commission’s report, released this week, revealed Daud’s attempts to mislead investigators. Daud, a cousin of Raud Ahmed Zilal, a key figure in the case, falsely denied contacting senior officials about the incident. Evidence showed he spoke multiple times with Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan that day. The report also disclosed that Daud met with Zilal shortly after the fall, contradicting his earlier statements to police and the commission.
While the investigation found no evidence of third-party involvement in Rasheed’s fall, it criticized the delayed medical response, which left her injured on a rooftop for hours. These findings have fueled public frustration over apparent efforts to obscure the truth.
Daud, who also served as chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Youth Affairs, resigned from that role after the incident emerged and was suspended without pay from his under secretary post on April 24. Presidential Spokesperson Heena Walid confirmed his dismissal in a post on X late Wednesday, underscoring President Muizzu’s commitment to confronting deceptive conduct.
The dismissal comes as President Muizzu faces intense scrutiny over his government’s handling of high-profile cases. In May, he held an unprecedented 15-hour press conference, pledging transparency and promising to investigate past agreements. However, opposition leader Abdulla Shahid has accused him of inconsistent leadership, pointing to campaign rhetoric that strained ties with India.
For many, Daud’s sacking represents a rare instance of accountability in a system often criticized for shielding the powerful. The commission’s meticulous report has struck a chord, amplifying demands for systemic change. While President Muizzu may discipline officials privately, the public expects visible action to match his pledges.
