Forex Reserves Reach $27.3b on IMF Aid, Remittance Boost

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to $27.31 billion, supported by strong remittance inflows and fresh disbursements from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan, the increase is also due to lower import demand and higher foreign aid inflows in recent months.

The latest figures show a notable jump from $26.82 billion recorded on June 23. However, when calculated under the IMF’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6), the reserves were $21.75 billion on that date.

On May 27, gross reserves stood at $25.80 billion, with the BPM6-compliant figure at $20.56 billion.

Economists note that maintaining reserves sufficient to cover at least three months of imports is vital for economic stability. Based on that measure, Bangladesh remains in a challenging position.

Foreign exchange reserves are a key barometer of a country’s macroeconomic health, influencing currency stability and investor confidence.