BB buys $4.15b so far in FY26

US dollar purchases by Bangladesh Bank from the forex market have surpassed $4 billion so far in fiscal year (FY) 2025-26.

The banking watchdog yesterday bought $218.50 million from 16 commercial banks at a cut-off rate of Tk 122.30 per US dollar, according to official data. 

This is the first US dollar purchase by the banking regulator in February.

Overall foreign exchange purchases in the ongoing fiscal year have reached $4.152 billion, reflecting continued efforts by the central bank to manage liquidity in the foreign exchange market and stabilise the exchange rate.

The central bank has been actively buying the American greenback from the market in recent months amid improved inflows and easing pressure on the foreign exchange market, officials said.

BB, which sold more than $25 billion from its foreign exchange reserves between FY21 and FY25 to help cover imports of fuel, fertiliser, and food, has begun purchasing US dollars since the start of this fiscal year as supply has increased due to higher exports and remittances.

Since early July, the Bangladeshi taka has gained against the dollar.

Bangladesh’s forex reserves have continued to rise due to the central bank’s consistent USD purchases. 

Bangladesh’s gross foreign exchange reserves stood at $33.18 billion as of January 29 this year, according to BB data. 

However, the figure stood at $28.68 billion under the International Monetary Fund’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6).