BD reports $33.79bn in foreign exchange reserves

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have reached $33.79 billion, according to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday, providing a snapshot of the country’s external financial position amid ongoing pressure on the balance of payments.

However, when measured under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) methodology, known as the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6), the country’s usable reserves are lower, standing at $29.19 billion, the central bank said.

The difference between the two figures reflects varying accounting standards. The main reserve number includes several parts that are not counted in the IMF’s BPM6 method, which is designed to give a more cautious and internationally comparable view of a country’s available foreign currency assets.

Economists and policymakers often focus on the BPM6 figure because it aligns with IMF programming benchmarks and provides a clearer picture of reserves that can be quickly deployed to meet external obligations, such as import payments, debt servicing, and currency stabilisation.

Bangladesh’s reserves have been under strain over the past two years due to higher import costs driven by global energy prices, reduced export earnings growth, and tighter global financial conditions. The central bank has taken a series of measures to stabilise the situation, including import controls, a more flexible exchange rate regime, and efforts to boost remittance inflow through formal channels.

The IMF-approved programme for Bangladesh places particular emphasis on maintaining adequate reserve buffers, with targets set under the BPM6 standard. Officials say recent improvements in export receipts and remittance flows have helped slow the pace of reserve depletion, though challenges remain.

Analysts note that while the current reserve level provides short-term import cover, sustaining it will depend on continued macroeconomic discipline, stronger export performance and prudent management of foreign currency spending.

Bangladesh Bank officials have said they expect reserves to remain broadly stable in the coming months, supported by seasonal remittance inflows and ongoing policy adjustments aimed at easing pressure on the external sector.