Veteran auditor Ibrahim Rasheed passes away while performing Umrah

Ibrahim Rasheed (Vaikaradhoo Rasheed), a veteran auditor, financial expert, writer, and public servant who made significant contributions to Maldives’ audit and financial sectors, passed away yesterday while performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

A source close to the family said Rasheed died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Mecca. He had successfully completed two Umrahs, and his health deteriorated while performing the third Umrah.

Rasheed, a native of Haa Dhaalu Atoll Vaikaradhoo, served the Maldives government for more than 36 years, working at the Audit Office, Ministry of Finance, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

During his tenure at the Audit Office, Rasheed was seconded to the Ministry of Finance during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to assist in preparing the national budget. He played a key role in expanding the budget framework, which previously covered only government office expenditures, to include nationwide expenditure across all sectors.

At a time when computers were not yet in use, Rasheed prepared budgets manually by drawing tables on large Bristol boards and pasting figures by hand. The data would later be digitized by technical staff after he moved to work on paper.

Following his work at the Ministry of Finance, Rasheed joined the newly established Anti-Corruption Commission. He later returned to the finance sector and retired at the age of 65, though his expertise continued to be sought, and he was rehired on a contract basis.

In addition to his public service, Rasheed served as an internal auditor for several resorts, including Bandos Island Resort and Hudhuveli Resort.

Rasheed was also deeply involved in the newspaper and magazine publishing movement in Maldives during his youth. He published and wrote for numerous publications, including the well-known magazine “Aabaaru”, which he led alongside Abbas Ibrahim and Badru Naseer. He also published a magazine titled “Aadhirun”, and contributed stories and translations to many other newspapers and magazines.

An accomplished author, Rasheed wrote two books on the history of the Ministry of Finance, compiled a handbook for accounting students, and authored a book on the history of mosques in Maldives. At the time of his death, two additional books were in print, including an auditing handbook and a book on general mathematics.

Rasheed is also the father of the late Dr Adeel Rasheed, a well known Maldivian doctor.