Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have risen again, with the country’s gross reserves reaching nearly US$36.47 billion, according to the latest data released by Bangladesh Bank.
The latest figure, reported on Monday (2 August), puts the country’s total gross foreign exchange reserves at US$36,469.94 million, equivalent to approximately US$36.47 billion. The information was also confirmed by Mohammad Ibrahim Munsi, joint director of the Foreign Exchange Reserve and Treasury Management Department of the central bank.
However, when calculated according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) BPM6 methodology, Bangladesh’s reserves stood at US$31,651.97 million, or around US$31.65 billion. The difference between the gross figure and the BPM6 measure reflects variations in the way reserve assets are defined and counted under the respective accounting frameworks. The BPM6-based figure is widely used for international comparisons and assessments of a country’s reserve position.
The latest increase comes against the backdrop of stronger remittance inflows, which remain one of Bangladesh’s key sources of foreign currency. During the first month of the 2026–27 financial year, Bangladesh received US$2.859 billion in remittances in July. This was 15.4 per cent higher than the US$2.478 billion recorded in the same month a year earlier.
The stronger inflow of remittances is particularly significant for the country’s external sector. Remittances provide a steady supply of foreign currency, helping to support the balance of payments and ease pressure on the foreign exchange market. They also play a crucial role in meeting the country’s import-payment requirements and maintaining the stability of the domestic currency.
The final two days of July also saw a notable flow of remittance funds. According to the latest information, expatriate Bangladeshis sent US$152 million to the country between 30 and 31 July. The late-month inflow made a meaningful contribution to the overall remittance figure for July and helped strengthen the country’s foreign currency position.
The improvement in reserves will be closely watched by policymakers, businesses and financial market participants. Foreign exchange reserves serve as an important buffer against external economic pressures, including higher import costs, fluctuations in global commodity prices and volatility in international financial markets.
For Bangladesh, maintaining a healthy reserve position remains particularly important as the country continues to manage foreign exchange liquidity and meet external payment obligations. A sustained rise in remittances, alongside stronger export earnings and prudent management of foreign currency outflows, could help support reserve accumulation in the months ahead.
The latest figures therefore offer a positive signal for the country’s external financial position. Still, the longer-term trend will depend on whether the recent improvement in remittance inflows can be sustained and whether foreign currency earnings continue to outpace external payment pressures.
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