To address rising demand in the foreign exchange market and maintain exchange rate stability, Bangladesh Bank has resumed selling US dollars to commercial banks after a gap of more than 14 months. Bank sources confirmed that this strategic intervention aligns with prevailing market conditions.
According to authoritative central bank sources, a total of $11.50 million (1 crore 15 lakh) was sold to six commercial banks based on immediate liquidity demand.
Central bank data shows that the average interbank exchange rate stood at BDT 123.35 per USD, up slightly from BDT 123.20 on the previous trading day. Surge in global crude oil prices—driven by ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East—has significantly inflated national import bills. Brent crude rose by 1.3% to reach $107.05 per barrel.
This global market volatility has exerted pressure on Bangladesh’s trade balance. In July (the first month of FY 2026–27), overall import expenditure surged by 8.6% year-on-year to reach $6.44 billion. This increase was largely driven by energy costs, with petroleum product import costs spiking by 83.3% to $1.37 billion in July alone. During the same period, export earnings declined by 1.6% to $4.35 billion.
This intervention marks a tactical shift in Bangladesh Bank’s monetary operations. Following improved dollar supply and reduced market pressures, the central bank had bought approximately $6 billion from the open market over the 14-month period beginning July 2025.
A senior Bangladesh Bank official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “This intervention is part of routine market monitoring and liquidity management. Central bank action will adjust dynamically based on exchange rate fluctuations and market demand.” He added that foreign exchange reserves remain robust, noting that under the IMF’s BPM6 methodology, gross reserves stood at $31.36 billion as of September 10, 2026, compared to $25.68 billion during the same period last year.
