Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday purchased an additional $109 million in the interbank spot market in collaboration with eight commercial banks, in a strategic effort to stabilise the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Bangladeshi taka.
Sources from the commercial banking sector confirmed that the transaction was executed through a Multiple Price Auction (MPA) mechanism, with the cut-off rate set at Tk 122.30 per dollar. Officials at the central bank explained that this intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to manage fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, driven by increased remittance inflows and market volatility.
Data from the first 17 days of February indicate that remittance inflows surged by 24.7%, reaching $1.97 billion, compared with $1.58 billion during the same period last year. Since 13 July, under the current freely floating exchange rate regime, Bangladesh Bank has purchased a cumulative $5.15 billion from commercial banks to support market liquidity.
A senior official stated, “Ahead of the Holy Ramadan, we are buying dollars from banks to manage the heightened pressure from remittance inflows. This ensures exchange rate stability, benefiting both remitters and exporters.”
He further noted that these interventions are gradually strengthening Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves. As of 17 February, the country’s total reserves stood at $34.54 billion, up from $34.32 billion on 10 February. Under the IMF Balance of Payments International Investment Position Manual (6th edition), reserves rose to $29.86 billion, compared with $28.69 billion on 10 February.
The following table summarises key developments in the foreign exchange market and reserve positions:
| Parameter | 01–17 February 2026 | 01–17 February 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remittance Inflows | $1.97 billion | $1.58 billion | +24.7% |
| Direct Dollar Purchases by BB since July 2025 | $5.15 billion | – | – |
| Total Foreign Currency Reserves (Conventional) | $34.54 billion | – | +$0.22 billion |
| Total Foreign Currency Reserves (IMF Standard) | $29.86 billion | $28.69 billion | +$1.17 billion |
| Dollar Cut-off Rate | Tk 122.30 | – | – |
Central bank authorities have indicated that interventions are likely to continue through Ramadan, ensuring adequate liquidity in the foreign exchange market and maintaining overall economic stability.
Market analysts view the sustained support as a positive signal for remitters and exporters, reinforcing confidence in Bangladesh’s broader economic resilience.