---

Bangladesh’s foreign-exchange reserves remained above $34 billion despite a sizable payment for regional import settlements, reflecting a stable external position.

According to central bank data, the country paid $1.51 billion through the Asian Clearing Unit (ACU) for imports during the March–April period. Following the payment, gross reserves declined to $34.14 billion from $35.62 billion in the previous working day.

Under the IMF’s BMP6 methodology, reserves stood lower at $29.48 billion, down from $30.96 billion.

“Our reserves remain at a satisfactory level even after routine ACU payments,” a senior central bank official said, noting that the current stock is sufficient to cover more than five months of import obligations.

The official attributed the steady reserve position to robust remittance inflows and reduced import payments, alongside the central bank’s ongoing dollar purchases from commercial banks.

Data show that the central bank has bought $5.75 billion from banks since mid-July under the floating exchange-rate regime, supporting reserve accumulation.

“We are prioritising exchange-rate stability amid ongoing global uncertainties,” the official added.

The ACU payment itself rose from $1.37 billion in the previous cycle, driven by higher imports from member countries—particularly India. Bangladesh continues to import consumer goods, raw materials, cotton and capital machinery through the arrangement.

Under the ACU mechanism, member countries settle trade payments every two months through a multilateral system involving regional central banks.

Looking ahead, officials said reserves could climb past $36 billion by June if at least $2.0 billion in external financing is secured.