Qasim's biography book launched

A biography book detailing the life of one of Maldives' most successful businessmen and the Speaker of the Parliamentary session that formulated the current constitution, Qasim Ibrahim, was released on Monday, February 10.

The book was launched at a ceremony held at Villa College last night, with Ilyas Ibrahim, who holds the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzudheen, the highest civilian honor in the Maldives, as the chief guest launching the book.

Qasim moved to Male' at a young age and lived in Ilyas’s house in Maafannu Endherimaage. Qasim regards Ilyas as a father figure, this close bond a result of the friendship between their fathers, Qasim said, adding that this was the reason why Qasim chose Ilyas to honor the book launch.

The ceremony was attended by former Presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Dr Mohamed Waheed, along with current ministers, members of Parliament, and others who have worked alongside Qasim in his political career and family members.

A hardcover edition of Qasim's biography, an audio book and a special website was also launched at the ceremony.

The book is written by experienced journalist and author Mohamed Jameel, marking his third book. His other two books are 'Orchid' on the coup d'état of Maldives' first President Mohamed Amin Didi and 'Insaafu', a biography on former President Dr Mohamed Waheed.

An exhibition of photographs from various periods of Qasim's life will also be opened that night. The exhibition will be open to the public from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm on Tuesday. Visitors of the exhibition will be given a free copy of the book, the organisers said.

The book, which is more than seven hundred pages long, highlights all the main issues that Qasim faced in his personal, business and political life. Color photos of Qasim, which have not been seen publicly, are also included.