$250m loan assistance to Sri Lanka: Bangladesh's image brightened, says PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that Bangladesh is providing $250 million loan assistance to Sri Lanka through currency swap.

"We are providing $250 million loan assistance to Sri Lanka through currency swap. Sri Lanka sought this loan assistance from us," the premier said in her concluding remarks on the budget for the next financial year.

This (assistance) proves that Bangladesh is always sincere in regional cooperation, she said.

"We have also waived the debts of Sudan and Somalia," Sheikh Hasina added.

The image of Bangladesh and the respect for people of this country has increased due to the assistance to Sri Lanka and Sudan from foreign exchange reserves, she said.

"This (assistance) has proved that Bangladesh is economically viable internationally," she added.