Bangladesh’s growing integration with the global economy continues to place foreign exchange rates at the centre of its financial stability. As trade links expand across continents and remittance inflows remain a key pillar of external earnings, fluctuations in major currencies such as the US dollar, euro, and British pound increasingly influence both household finances and corporate decision-making.
According to data published by Bangladesh Bank on 16 May 2026, the foreign exchange market recorded a broadly stable trend across major international currencies. The US dollar, which plays a dominant role in import settlements and reserve management, was fixed at 122.75 taka for both buying and selling. This stability is viewed as significant, given the dollar’s central role in pricing global commodities such as fuel and industrial raw materials.
The euro also remained steady, with a buying rate of 143.74 taka and a selling rate of 143.75 taka. The British pound sterling continued to trade at a comparatively higher level, reflecting the strength of the UK currency in global markets and Bangladesh’s sustained trade and financial links with Europe.
Currencies from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, including the Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Canadian dollar, Indian rupee, and Saudi riyal, showed relatively narrow spreads between buying and selling rates, suggesting a broadly balanced foreign exchange environment. Analysts note that such stability helps importers plan costs more effectively while supporting predictable remittance conversions for expatriate workers.
Remittance inflows, particularly from Gulf countries and Europe, remain a crucial source of foreign currency supply. Movements in currencies such as the Saudi riyal and euro therefore have a direct impact on household incomes in Bangladesh, especially in rural and semi-urban regions where dependence on overseas earnings is high.
Foreign Exchange Rates in Bangladesh (16 May 2026)
| Currency | Buying Rate (BDT) | Selling Rate (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| US Dollar | 122.75 | 122.75 |
| British Pound Sterling | 165.98 | 166.00 |
| Euro | 143.74 | 143.75 |
| Japanese Yen | 0.78 | 0.78 |
| Australian Dollar | 89.09 | 89.10 |
| Singapore Dollar | 96.41 | 96.47 |
| Canadian Dollar | 89.53 | 89.57 |
| Indian Rupee | 1.28 | 1.28 |
| Saudi Riyal | 32.55 | 32.56 |
Economists emphasise that exchange rate movements are closely tied to global energy prices, international interest rate policies, and geopolitical developments. Any significant disruption in these areas can quickly translate into pressure on import costs and inflation levels within Bangladesh.
At the same time, a relatively stable dollar rate is seen as supportive of inflation management, as it reduces volatility in import pricing and helps maintain confidence in external trade settlements. For exporters, predictable currency conditions also assist in planning contracts and revenue forecasts.
Overall, maintaining exchange rate stability remains a critical policy priority, given its direct influence on trade balance, foreign reserves, and the broader macroeconomic outlook.