In a significant move to bolster the country’s foreign currency reserves, Bangladesh Bank purchased USD 171 million from 16 local commercial banks on Wednesday, 4 February. The central bank set the cut-off rate for this transaction at BDT 122.30 per US dollar, which also served as the official exchange rate for the purchase.
According to an official press release from Bangladesh Bank, this latest acquisition has raised the total dollar purchases for February to USD 389.50 million. For the ongoing 2025–26 fiscal year, the cumulative purchases of the central bank have now reached USD 4.323 billion.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, commented,
“Today, we acquired USD 171 million from 16 commercial banks, raising February’s total purchase to USD 389.50 million and the fiscal year total to USD 4.323 billion.”
Since the start of 2026, the central bank has been actively purchasing US dollars in the domestic market to strengthen foreign currency liquidity. Several transactions were carried out in January as well, aimed at ensuring a stable supply of foreign currency. A detailed overview of recent purchases is provided below:
| Date | Number of Banks | Purchase Amount (million USD) | Exchange Rate (BDT/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Jan | 14 | 223.5 | 122.30 |
| 12 Jan | 10 | 81.0 | 122.30 |
| 20 Jan | 2 | 45.0 | 122.30 |
| 29 Jan | 5 | 55.0 | 122.30 |
| 2 Feb | 16 | 218.5 | 122.30 |
| 4 Feb | 16 | 171.0 | 122.30 |
The primary objective of these purchases is to ensure adequate foreign currency supply in the domestic market, maintain liquidity for importers and exporters, and assist in controlling currency volatility. Economists have noted that such regular and well-planned interventions play a critical role in sustaining economic stability and reducing market uncertainty.
Market analysts anticipate that additional dollar purchases may occur before the end of February, helping to prevent shortages in the domestic market and supporting the country’s trade balance. These strategic measures underscore Bangladesh Bank’s commitment to maintaining a stable and resilient financial system amid fluctuating global currency trends.