The nation’s foreign exchange reserves have once again dropped to the $30 billion level. As of Sunday (September 7), the gross reserves, as reported by Bangladesh Bank, stand at $30.31 billion. However, when using the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) BPM6 calculation method, the reserves amount to $25.40 billion.

Previously, on Thursday, the gross reserves were recorded at $31.43 billion and $26.45 billion according to BPM6. Subsequently, Bangladesh Bank made a payment of approximately $1.5 billion for the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) import bills for July and August. Consequently, the reserves experienced a decline.

Following a payment of $2.02 billion to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) during the first week of July, the reserves decreased to $29.53 billion in gross terms and $24.56 billion as per BPM6.

Thanks to an increase in remittance flows, a favorable trend in export earnings, and financial support from international organizations, gross reserves rose to $31.72 billion by the end of June. This marked the highest level in the past 28 months. According to BPM6, reserves at that time were reported at $26.69 billion.

In August 2021, Bangladesh achieved its highest reserve ever, reaching $48 billion. However, following a steady decline, reserves dropped to $20.48 billion by the end of last July during the final phase of the Awami League administration.

Since the current government took office, the situation has improved due to stringent measures against money laundering, a reduction in hundi transactions, and a rise in remittances through official channels. Consequently, there has been an approximate 27 percent increase in expatriate income for the fiscal year 2024-25, amounting to $30.33 billion in dollars.