The government of the Maldives has decided to formally shut down its high commission in Bangladesh from today due to 40 percent budget cut of its foreign ministry.
“The government has decided to shut down some the missions abroad due to serious financial crisis and budget cut. Bangladesh is the first country where the Maldives shuts down its mission from April 1,” Acting High Commissioner Ahmed Adil told The Daily Star.
The Maldives opened its mission in Bangladesh in 2008, and the diplomatic relation between the two countries was established on September 22, 1978.

However, Dhaka, which opened its mission in Male on August 8, 1998, has yet to take any decision in this regard.
Diplomatic sources said Dhaka is apparently shocked at the decision at a time when bilateral relations between the countries have reached a significant stage these days.   
Foreign ministry officials said that there were hectic moves from Bangladesh side to host the high commission by bearing house rent and other local expenses.
“But they politely refused to accept the offer,” said a high official at the foreign ministry.
The Maldives now has about 100 students doing higher studies in Bangladesh, said Ahmed Adil, who is due to depart Dhaka today.
According to the unofficial estimates, some 60,000 to 80,000 Bangladeshis are now working in the Maldives. The country also recruited doctors and nurses from Bangladesh.