Bangladesh's gross foreign exchange reserves have increased by 46.6 percent over the past two years, reflecting a substantial strengthening of the country's external position. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, gross foreign exchange reserves stood at US$36.44 billion on September 8, 2026, compared with $24.86 billion in September 2024. In absolute terms, gross reserves increased by around $11.58 billion during this period. This significant growth marks a major recovery from the foreign exchange pressures experienced by Bangladesh in 2024.
Key Factors Behind the Surge
The improvement in reserves has been supported by stronger remittance inflows, improved dollar liquidity in the banking system, and relatively moderated import demand. Bangladesh Bank has also played a crucial role by purchasing dollars from the domestic foreign exchange market when market conditions allowed, thereby helping to rebuild its reserve stock and contributing to greater stability in the foreign exchange market.
Methodological Differences and Continued Growth
When measured under the IMF’s BPM6 methodology, reserves rose by 58.8 percent, from $19.86 billion in September 2024 to $31.53 billion on September 8, 2026, registering an increase of around $11.67 billion. The recovery in reserves has continued despite fluctuations caused by import payments and other external obligations. Gross reserves rose to $31.43 billion by September 2025 and reached $37.58 billion at the end of June 2026. BPM6 reserves stood at $26.60 billion in September 2025 and $32.93 billion at the end of June 2026.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
Talking to BSS, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan said the improvement in reserves reflected stronger external-sector conditions, particularly higher remittance inflows and improved foreign exchange liquidity. He noted that the central bank’s purchase of foreign currency from banks during periods of improved market liquidity had helped rebuild reserves after the depletion witnessed during the earlier foreign exchange pressure. Additional Managing Director of South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank Limited Abdul Quaium Chowdhury said the increase in reserves was positive for the banking sector and businesses as a stronger reserve position improves confidence in Bangladesh’s capacity to meet import and external payment obligations. He cautioned, however, that maintaining the positive trend would require continued growth in remittances and exports, along with prudent management of imports and external payments.
