Former National Tender Board Chairman Ismail Zariyand has said that young people should be kindly guided instead of being bullied when they express their opinions.

Zariyand made the remarks following a recent social media controversy involving a state minister from the Gender Ministry. Public critics have alleged that State Minister Aishat Zuhrban shared a photo of the young person on her personal Facebook account and used language they described as insulting.

In a message shared on social media, Zariyand said it was wrong to ridicule or insult young people for sharing their views or opinions. He stressed that rather than focusing on mistakes in wording or expression, young people should be supported, cared for, and guided in the right way.

He added that society has a responsibility to listen to the voices of young people and provide them with proper guidance and encouragement, instead of causing harm through mockery or public shaming.

Zariyand’s remarks have received widespread support on social media, with many agreeing that respecting and nurturing young people aligns with Islamic values and the moral principles of society.