On Monday, 12 January, the Bangladesh Bank acquired USD 81 million from ten commercial banks through a scheduled auction, officials confirmed. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of the central bank, stated that the purchase was executed at an exchange rate of BDT 122.30 per US dollar.
The auction was conducted in accordance with the country’s foreign exchange policy, with a cut-off rate set at BDT 122.30. This latest transaction brings the total dollar purchases for January 2026 to USD 698 million, a move aimed at ensuring adequate supply in the domestic market and stabilising currency fluctuations.
Economists and market analysts have emphasised that maintaining a balance between foreign currency demand and supply is crucial for the current fiscal year. Such purchases help the central bank control inflation, stabilise import-export balances, and reinforce investor confidence in the domestic market.
During the ongoing 2025–26 fiscal year, the central bank has conducted several auctions to purchase foreign currency. To date, a total of USD 3.835 billion has been acquired. Analysts note that this volume of acquisitions not only strengthens the country’s foreign exchange reserves but also mitigates excessive volatility in the US dollar market.
The table below summarises recent central bank dollar acquisitions:
| Purchase Date | Number of Banks | Amount Purchased (USD million) | Exchange Rate (BDT/USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 January 2026 | 10 | 81 | 122.30 | Auction-based purchase |
| January 2026 (Total) | — | 698 | — | Monthly cumulative total |
| 2025–26 Fiscal Year (Total) | — | 3,835 | — | Fiscal year cumulative |
Market observers suggest that the central bank’s auction strategy plays a strategic role in controlling dollar volatility, curbing inflation, and ensuring overall economic stability. By maintaining a stable flow of foreign currency, the policy also supports balanced trade, encourages foreign investment, and bolsters national reserves.
Regularly scheduled auctions such as these are considered a proactive measure to reinforce the security of the financial system and maintain public confidence in the domestic currency market. Economists underline that sustained management of foreign exchange reserves is essential to safeguard economic resilience amid fluctuating global financial conditions.