In a significant show of economic resilience, Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have once again climbed above the $35 billion mark. This recovery echoes the peaks seen in June 2020 and marks a pivotal turnaround for the nation’s financial stability. The central bank’s latest data, released on Tuesday, confirms that the gross reserves now stand at $35.04 billion, a figure that reflects both a clampdown on illicit financial outflows and a historic surge in inward remittances.
Table of Contents
Comparative Reserve Metrics
While the gross figure is headline-grabbing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) employs the BPM6 manual for a more conservative valuation. Under this standard, which excludes encumbered assets, the net reserves are currently estimated at $30.30 billion.
| Indicator | Current Status (Feb 2026) | Status at Govt Transition (Aug 2024) |
| Gross Reserves (Total) | $35.04 Billion | $25.92 Billion |
| IMF BPM6 Reserves | $30.30 Billion | $20.48 Billion |
| Average Monthly Remittance | ~$3.20 Billion | ~$1.90 Billion |
| Exchange Rate (USD/BDT) | ~120.00 BDT | ~84.20 BDT (2021 Peak) |
Strategic Drivers of Growth
The Governor of the Bangladesh Bank, Ahsan H. Mansur, had previously projected that the $35 billion target would be reached within the 2025–26 fiscal year—even without accounting for IMF loan instalments. This milestone has been achieved through several strategic interventions:
Combatting Capital Flight: A rigorous crackdown on “Hundi” (informal money transfer systems) and money laundering has ensured that foreign currency remains within the formal banking channel.
Remittance Boom: In the first 23 days of February alone, the country received $2.56 billion in remittances, a staggering 23% increase compared to the same period last year. This influx is attributed to the recent national elections and the upcoming Ramadan season.
Market-Driven Exchange Rates: By allowing the Taka to float more freely against the Dollar, the gap between official and “kerb” market rates has narrowed, incentivising expatriates to use legal channels.
From Depletion to Accumulation
The journey to this recovery follows a turbulent period. After hitting an all-time high of $48 billion in August 2021, reserves plummeted due to widespread financial irregularities and aggressive market intervention under the previous regime. By the time the interim government took office in August 2024, reserves had dwindled to critical levels.
Since the transition, the central bank has shifted from selling dollars to save the Taka to becoming a net purchaser. In the current fiscal year, the Bangladesh Bank has purchased over $5 billion from commercial banks, including $1.53 billion in February alone, to bolster the national coffers.
Future Outlook
Economic analysts suggest that while the current growth is bolstered by high interest rates and stagnant private investment, the newly elected government faces a delicate balancing act. As investor confidence returns, the demand for dollars to import capital machinery and raw materials will rise. Maintaining this $35 billion threshold will depend heavily on sustained export growth and the continued prevention of capital flight.