Parliament accepts Islamic University Bill

The parliament has concluded its debate on and accepted the Islamic University Bill.

The bill was accepted with 55 votes in favour. The vote was boycotted by MPs of opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The debate was conducted amid protests by MDP, calling for the release of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

The government has said that the purpose of the Islamic University Bill is to facilitate the establishment of an Islamic university in the Maldives. Highlighting that the Maldives is a Muslim country where the main source of the Constitution is Islam, the government said that it is imperative to establish a law detailing the purpose, procedures and responsibilities of such an educational institution, which will help strengthen the country’s Islamic character.