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DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh’s gross foreign exchange reserves have increased by 46.6 percent in two years, while reserves measured under the IMF’s BPM6 methodology rose by 58.8 percent, reflecting a significant 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 the period.

BPM6 reserves rose from $19.86 billion in September 2024 to $31.53 billion on September 8, 2026, registering an increase of around $11.67 billion.

The substantial growth in reserves marks a major recovery from the foreign exchange pressures experienced by Bangladesh in 2024.

The improvement has been supported by stronger remittance inflows, improved dollar liquidity in the banking system and relatively moderated import demand.

Bangladesh Bank has also purchased dollars from the domestic foreign exchange market when market conditions allowed, helping rebuild its reserve stock and contributing to greater stability in the foreign exchange market.

The recovery has continued despite fluctuations in reserves 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.

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 said 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.

“The rise in reserves is a positive signal for the foreign exchange market. It indicates that dollar liquidity has improved and that the pressure on banks to manage foreign currency payments has eased,” he added.

He, however, cautioned that maintaining the positive trend would require continued growth in remittances and exports, along with prudent management of imports and external payments.