Bangladesh has recorded a notable rise in its foreign exchange reserves on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, offering a measure of relief for the country’s macroeconomic outlook. According to the latest update from the central bank, total reserves have increased to USD 34.56 billion, reflecting improved external sector performance at a critical juncture for domestic demand.
The information was confirmed on Saturday night by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank. Official data show that as of 23 May, gross reserves stood at USD 34,569.38 million, marking a modest but meaningful increase compared with previous readings.
In addition, net reserves—calculated under the International Monetary Fund’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6) framework—stood at USD 29,912.39 million. This figure is widely regarded as a more accurate indicator of the country’s usable foreign exchange buffer, as it excludes short-term liabilities and obligations.
A comparison with the figures from 21 May highlights the upward movement. Within just two days, gross reserves rose from USD 34,539.08 million to USD 34,569.38 million, while BPM6-compliant net reserves increased from USD 29,879.50 million to USD 29,912.39 million. Although the increment is relatively small in absolute terms, it is considered significant given the broader pressures on external accounts.
Economists attribute this improvement to a combination of factors. Seasonal inflows of remittances during the Eid period have played a key role, as overseas Bangladeshis typically send higher amounts of money home to support family expenditure. Export earnings have also remained broadly stable, while import pressures have shown signs of moderation in recent weeks. At the same time, regulatory measures by Bangladesh Bank aimed at stabilising foreign exchange flows have contributed to maintaining balance in the external sector.
Foreign exchange reserves are a critical indicator of economic resilience, as they underpin the country’s ability to finance imports, service external debt, and stabilise the exchange rate. In this context, the recent uptick is being viewed as a positive signal for overall financial stability, particularly at a time when seasonal consumption typically increases ahead of Eid.
Foreign Exchange Reserve Snapshot
| Date | Gross Reserves (USD million) | Net Reserves under BPM6 (USD million) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 May | 34,539.08 | 29,879.50 |
| 23 May | 34,569.38 | 29,912.39 |
Looking ahead, analysts suggest that if remittance inflows remain strong and import demand stays contained, the reserve position may continue to stabilise. This would help ease pressure on external payments and support a more predictable macroeconomic environment during the post-Eid period, when economic activity typically remains elevated.