The Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday purchased an additional US$109 million from eight commercial banks through the interbank spot market, in a bid to maintain stability in the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Bangladeshi Taka.
The transaction was conducted under the Multiple Price Auction (MPA) method, with a cut-off rate of Tk 122.30 per US dollar, according to central bank officials. This latest intervention is part of BB’s ongoing efforts to manage foreign exchange (forex) market fluctuations amid rising inward remittances.
During the first 17 days of February, inward remittance inflows surged by nearly 25 per cent, reaching US$1.97 billion, compared to US$1.58 billion over the same period last year. The central bank has cumulatively purchased US$5.15 billion directly from banks since 13 July last year under the prevailing free-floating exchange rate system, reflecting its proactive approach to forex management.
“We are purchasing US dollars from banks to offset the higher inflow of remittances ahead of the Holy Ramadan,” a senior BB official told The Financial Express. “Such interventions help maintain exchange rate stability, benefiting both exporters and remitters.”
The official added that the ongoing interventions have also contributed to a gradual strengthening of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves, which act as a crucial buffer against market volatility.
Bangladesh’s gross forex reserves rose to US$34.54 billion on 17 February, up from US$34.32 billion on 10 February, based on the central bank’s traditional calculation. Under the IMF’s Balance of Payments International Investment Position Manual (sixth edition), reserves increased to US$29.86 billion from US$28.69 billion over the same period.
The table below summarises the key figures related to the country’s forex market activity and reserves:
| Parameter | February 01-17, 2026 | February 01-17, 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inward remittances | $1.97 billion | $1.58 billion | +24.7% |
| BB direct forex purchases since July 2025 | $5.15 billion | – | – |
| Gross forex reserves (traditional) | $34.54 billion | – | +$0.22 billion |
| Gross forex reserves (IMF BOP IIP) | $29.86 billion | $28.69 billion | +$1.17 billion |
| Cut-off rate for dollar | Tk 122.30 | – | – |
With the Ramadan period approaching, the central bank’s targeted interventions are expected to continue, ensuring liquidity in the forex market and supporting economic stability.