Maldives seeks long-term loan from Bangladesh

Maldives has requested funds from neighboring Bangladesh. 

According to Bangladeshi press, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Fazle Kabir, during a conference held in Dhaka on Friday, said that Maldives had requested a long-term loan from Bangladesh. 

He made the comment during the final session of the three-day Annual BIDS Conference on Development: Celebrating 50 Years of Bangladesh. 

"The Maldives requested us for a loan for a longer term. We are actively considering it," he said. 

Kabir did not provide any details. 

If Bangladesh agrees to the request, it will mark the second time for Bangladesh to lend money to another country, following USD 250 million to Sri Lanka in the form of currency swap back in August. 

The announcement comes after Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem made an official visit to Dhaka in November, during which he met with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Abdul Hamid, and several Cabinet ministers. 

It also comes with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina scheduled to visit Maldives later this month.