Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have increased to 34.43 billion US dollars, according to the latest data published by Bangladesh Bank, signalling a gradual strengthening of the country’s external financial position amid record remittance inflows and a broadly stable macroeconomic environment.
The figures were confirmed on Thursday (2 April) by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of the central bank. He stated that the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves currently stand at 34.43 billion US dollars. However, under the International Monetary Fund’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM-6) framework, the reserves are calculated at 29.81 billion US dollars.
The gap between the two figures reflects standard international accounting practices, including the adjustment of short-term liabilities and other external obligations that are excluded under the IMF’s BPM-6 methodology. Despite this methodological difference, both indicators point towards a steady improvement in Bangladesh’s external sector position compared with previous months, driven primarily by robust inflows of foreign currency.
Record remittance inflows strengthen external accounts
Bangladesh recorded a historic milestone in March by achieving its highest-ever monthly remittance inflow. During the 31-day period, expatriate Bangladeshis sent home 3.755 billion US dollars, equivalent to 375.5 crore US dollars, marking the strongest monthly inflow in the country’s history.
This unprecedented surge has provided crucial support to the external sector, helping to stabilise foreign exchange reserves, ease pressure on import financing, and strengthen overall balance of payments management at a time of global economic uncertainty.
Bank-wise remittance inflows (March)
| Banking channel | Remittance inflow |
|---|---|
| State-owned commercial banks | Over $640 million |
| Agrani Bank (specialised bank) | $464.7 million |
| Private commercial banks | $2.64 billion |
| Foreign banks | Around $1.2 million |
| Total | $3.755 billion |
Private commercial banks accounted for the largest share of remittance inflows, handling approximately 2.64 billion US dollars. State-owned commercial banks collectively processed more than 640 million US dollars, while Agrani Bank, a specialised state-owned financial institution, contributed around 464.7 million US dollars. Foreign banks recorded a marginal inflow of roughly 1.2 million US dollars.
Economic outlook and implications
Economists have welcomed the strong rise in remittance inflows, describing them as a key stabilising factor for Bangladesh’s external sector resilience. Remittances remain one of the country’s most important sources of foreign currency, supporting household consumption, sustaining rural livelihoods, and providing a critical buffer for foreign exchange reserves.
The improved reserve position is expected to give policymakers greater flexibility in managing import requirements, maintaining exchange rate stability, and meeting external debt obligations. Analysts further suggest that if remittance momentum continues alongside steady export performance, Bangladesh may see continued improvement in macroeconomic stability in the coming months.
Despite ongoing global economic challenges, the latest figures from Bangladesh Bank indicate a cautiously strengthening external outlook, underpinned by record remittance inflows and sustained foreign currency earnings.