In a decisive move to bolster national liquidity, Bangladesh Bank has purchased an additional $223.50 million from 14 commercial banks. The transaction, conducted on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, reflects the central bank’s intensified efforts to manage foreign exchange volatility and replenish the nation’s “war chest” of reserves as the new calendar year commences.
Transaction Details and Currency Valuation
The procurement was executed at a standardised exchange rate of 122.30 BDT per US Dollar. This rate, which also functioned as the “cut-off” price for the auction, indicates a level of stability in the Taka’s value following recent fluctuations. By absorbing this excess foreign currency from the commercial sector, the central bank is effectively acting as a market stabiliser, preventing sharp devaluations while ensuring that private banks remain within their prescribed foreign exchange holding limits.
Arif Hossain Khan, the Executive Director and Spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, confirmed that the influx was sourced from a broad spectrum of the banking sector, involving 14 distinct institutions.
A Significant Fiscal Milestone
The scale of the central bank’s intervention during the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26) has been unprecedented. Since July 2025, the bank has consistently moved to mop up dollars from the interbank market.
The data suggests that the first week of January has been particularly active, with over $411 million purchased in just six days. This brings the total accumulation for the first half of the fiscal year to approximately $3.55 billion.
Table: Foreign Exchange Accumulation Summary (FY 2025-26)
| Timeframe | Volume Purchased (USD) | Cumulative Total (USD) | Primary Goal |
| H1 (July–Dec 2025) | $3,135.50 Million | $3.13 Billion | Reserve Replenishment |
| Jan 1–6, 2026 | $411.00 Million | $3.55 Billion | Market Stabilisation |
| Annual Comparison | Increased by 12% | $3.55 Billion | Balance of Payments Support |
Strengthening the National Economy
Financial analysts view this aggressive accumulation as a pre-emptive measure to safeguard the economy against global inflationary pressures. A robust reserve allows the government to meet high-value import bills—specifically for energy and raw materials—without causing a domestic liquidity crisis.
Furthermore, the consistency of these purchases at the 122.30 BDT mark suggests that the central bank is successfully navigating a “managed float” of the currency. This policy provides a predictable environment for international trade and encourages expatriates to send remittances through official banking channels, further feeding the reserve cycle.
As the 2026 fiscal calendar continues, the focus will remain on whether the central bank can maintain this momentum without over-tightening the supply of dollars available to private importers.
