Bangladesh Foreign Reserves Climb Further To $34.82bn

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have risen further, with the country’s gross reserves reaching US$34.82 billion, according to the latest figures released by Bangladesh Bank.

The central bank reported that gross foreign exchange reserves stood at US$34.82183 billion as of 3 June. The information was confirmed on Wednesday by Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan.

The latest data show a modest increase in reserve holdings over a short period. On 1 June, the country’s gross reserves stood at US$34.76699 billion. By 3 June, the figure had risen to US$34.82183 billion, representing an increase of approximately US$54.84 million.

Bangladesh Bank also published reserve data based on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6), which is the internationally recognised standard for measuring reserve assets.

According to the BPM6 methodology, Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves reached US$30.16060 billion on 3 June. This compares with US$30.10761 billion on 1 June, reflecting an increase of approximately US$52.99 million during the same period.

Latest Reserve Position

Reserve Category1 June (US$ Billion)3 June (US$ Billion)Increase (US$ Million)
Gross Reserves34.7669934.8218354.84
BPM6 Reserves30.1076130.1606052.99

The distinction between gross reserves and BPM6 reserves is significant in assessing a country’s external financial position. Gross reserves represent the total stock of foreign currency assets held by the central bank and are commonly used as the headline measure of reserve strength.

The BPM6 calculation, however, follows IMF guidelines and provides a more standardised measure for international comparison. Under this framework, certain assets that may not be readily available for balance-of-payments support are excluded from the reserve calculation. Consequently, BPM6 reserves are generally lower than the gross reserve figure.

Bangladesh has been reporting both measures in line with international reporting standards and IMF recommendations. The BPM6 methodology is widely used by policymakers, economists and international financial institutions to evaluate a country’s capacity to meet external obligations and absorb economic shocks.

The central bank also noted that net reserves are calculated according to the IMF’s BPM6 framework. Net reserves, often referred to as usable reserves, are obtained by subtracting short-term liabilities and other obligations from the total reserve stock. This measure provides a clearer indication of the foreign currency resources that are immediately available for external payments and financial support.

Foreign exchange reserves remain a key indicator of macroeconomic stability. They help finance import payments, support external debt servicing, contribute to exchange-rate stability and strengthen investor confidence in a country’s economic fundamentals.

The latest increase, although relatively small, indicates continued improvement in Bangladesh’s reserve position. Both gross reserves and BPM6 reserves recorded gains between 1 June and 3 June, reflecting growth in the country’s foreign currency holdings.

According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves now stand at US$34.82 billion, while reserves measured under the IMF’s BPM6 methodology have reached US$30.16 billion. The figures underline the central bank’s latest assessment of Bangladesh’s external reserve position as of 3 June.

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