Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has emerged as the largest contributor to the ongoing foreign exchange (forex) market intervention undertaken by the central bank, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the United States dollars purchased by the regulator in the current fiscal year.
According to Bangladesh Bank (BB), a total of $5.56 billion was purchased from commercial banks between 13 July last year and 15 April 2026 as part of its intervention strategy under the prevailing free-floating exchange rate regime. The objective of this operation has been to help stabilise the taka–dollar exchange rate while ensuring adequate liquidity in the foreign exchange market.
Of the total amount acquired, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC alone supplied $1.225 billion, making it the single largest seller of US dollars among all participating banks during the period under review. BB sources confirmed that the transactions were conducted through multiple auctions involving 39 commercial banks, with the central bank injecting over Tk 600 billion into the banking system through these purchases.
The intervention has also highlighted the differing foreign exchange positions of commercial banks. Institutions with surplus foreign currency—typically referred to as a long position—have been able to sell dollars to the central bank, while those with higher foreign currency obligations than earnings are categorised as holding a short position.
A senior official of Bangladesh Bank, speaking anonymously, stated that the mechanism allows banks with excess foreign currency holdings to sell to the regulator in order to meet local currency requirements. The process, he noted, also contributes to strengthening foreign exchange reserves and is considered beneficial for both the central bank and participating banks.
Top Dollar-Selling Banks
| Rank | Bank Name | USD Sold (Million) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC | 1,225 |
| 2 | Bangladesh Krishi Bank | 1,020 |
| 3 | Trust Bank | 633 |
| 4 | Bank Asia | 272 |
| 5 | City Bank | 258 |
| 6 | Pubali Bank | 184 |
| 7 | Dhaka Bank | 181 |
| 8 | Dutch-Bangla Bank | 173 |
| 9 | South East Bank | 158 |
| 10 | Eastern Bank | 140 |
| 11 | Mercantile Bank | 122 |
| 12 | United Commercial Bank | 120 |
| 13 | Jamuna Bank | 111 |
| 14 | Mutual Trust Bank | 109 |
| 15 | Agrani Bank | 105 |
A senior banker from Islami Bank, also speaking anonymously, said the institution has historically maintained a strong inflow of remittances. However, he noted that import demand has eased in recent times amid broader economic conditions, enabling the bank to sell surplus dollars to the central bank. He added that such intervention helps maintain exchange rate stability, which is also important for remittance inflows.
Separately, Managing Director of Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Sanchia Binte Ali, stated that the bank was instructed by its board of directors to support government priorities, including facilitating international payments in the power sector. She noted that strong remittance inflows, driven by expatriate workers’ trust, have enabled the bank to participate in dollar sales after meeting its external obligations.
Overall, the data reflects active participation from multiple commercial banks in Bangladesh Bank’s foreign exchange operations aimed at maintaining stability under the managed floating exchange rate framework.