Bangladesh Bank has once again intervened in the foreign exchange market, purchasing an additional 60 million US dollars through an auction mechanism as part of its ongoing efforts to manage liquidity and stabilise the domestic currency market. The latest transaction was conducted on Sunday, 21 December, and involved the participation of four commercial banks, according to official sources.
Confirming the development, Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, stated that the central bank bought a total of 60 million dollars from four scheduled banks at a uniform exchange rate. The cut-off price for the auction was fixed at Tk 122.30 per US dollar, which also served as the settlement rate for all successful bids.
With this latest purchase, the total volume of US dollars acquired by the central bank during the current month of December has risen significantly. Bangladesh Bank has now bought a cumulative 805.50 million dollars, or approximately 80.55 crore dollars, in December alone. Officials say the continued dollar purchases reflect the central bank’s strategy to absorb excess foreign currency from the market, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, and ensure orderly market conditions amid fluctuating global and domestic economic pressures.
The auction-based dollar buying mechanism has been used repeatedly by Bangladesh Bank in recent months, particularly during the ongoing 2025–26 financial year. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, the central bank has conducted multiple such auctions to bolster reserves and smooth volatility in the taka–dollar exchange rate. According to official figures, total dollar purchases so far in the current fiscal year stand at 2.93 billion dollars, equivalent to Tk 293.15 crore at prevailing exchange rates.
Market analysts note that the central bank’s continued intervention through transparent auctions has helped provide predictability to the foreign exchange market. By setting a clear cut-off rate, Bangladesh Bank has aimed to discourage speculative trading while encouraging banks to align their foreign exchange dealings with official guidance. At the same time, the purchases indicate that supply conditions in the market remain relatively comfortable, allowing the central bank to build reserves without exerting undue pressure on the exchange rate.
Officials at Bangladesh Bank have reiterated that such interventions will continue as and when necessary, depending on market dynamics, import payment obligations, and remittance inflows. They have also emphasised that the auction system ensures fairness and competitiveness, as participating banks submit bids electronically and allocations are made strictly on price considerations.
Summary of Recent Dollar Purchases by Bangladesh Bank
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest Purchase Amount | USD 60 million |
| Number of Participating Banks | 4 |
| Exchange Rate (Cut-off Price) | Tk 122.30 per USD |
| Total Bought in December | USD 805.50 million |
| Total Bought in FY 2025–26 (to date) | USD 2.93 billion |
| Purchase Method | Auction-based |
The latest dollar purchase underscores Bangladesh Bank’s proactive stance in managing the foreign exchange market, with policymakers remaining focused on maintaining stability, safeguarding reserves, and supporting broader macroeconomic objectives in the face of evolving global financial conditions.