Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to the $33 billion mark, reaching a three-year high, bolstered by a massive influx of remittances and strategic dollar purchases by the central bank.

According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bank, expatriate Bangladeshis sent $3.04 billion in the 29 days of December 2025. This robust inflow has provided critical support in easing the country’s ongoing dollar shortage and stabilizing the economy.

The total gross reserves now stand at $33.18 billion, the highest level since 2022. For comparison, reserves had plummeted to $25.58 billion during the fall of the regime in August 2024. Under the IMF’s BPM6 manual calculation, the current reserves stand at $28.51 billion, which was $20.47 billion.

Historical data show that Bangladesh’s reserves first crossed the $33 billion threshold in 2017, later peaking at a record $48 billion in 2021 before facing a steady decline.

To maintain market stability and build a safety net, Bangladesh Bank so far purchased over $3.13 billion from commercial banks. The central bank purchased over $1 billion in December alone.

Remittances hit $2.93 billion in 28 days of December

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur recently expressed optimism, stating that reserves are expected to reach between $34 billion and $35 billion by the end of December.

"We are building our reserves by purchasing dollars from our own internal economy rather than relying on external loans from the IMF or other agencies," the Governor remarked, describing the strategy as a sustainable and "positive decision" for the nation’s financial health.