Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have climbed to $33.18bn, reaching their highest level in three years, driven by strong remittance inflows and sustained dollar purchases by the central bank.

Data from Bangladesh Bank show that expatriate Bangladeshis sent $3.04bn in remittances during the first 29 days of December 2025. Officials say the inflow has eased pressure on the dollar market and helped stabilise the economy after a prolonged period of foreign currency shortages.

The latest reserve figure is the highest since 2022. Reserves had fallen sharply to $25.58bn following political upheaval in August 2024. Under the International Monetary Fund’s BPM6 methodology, Bangladesh’s reserves now stand at $28.51bn, up from $20.47bn earlier.

Historical records indicate that Bangladesh first crossed the $33bn mark in 2017. Reserves later peaked at a record $48bn in 2021 before entering a steady decline amid rising import bills and external payment pressures.

Bangladesh Bank has played a key role in rebuilding reserves, purchasing more than $3.13bn from commercial banks so far, including over $1bn in December alone.

Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur said reserves are expected to reach between $34bn and $35bn by the end of December, adding that the strategy focuses on sourcing dollars from the domestic economy rather than external borrowing.