Bangladesh’s dollar rate has risen again as higher fuel and gas import costs combine with reduced foreign-currency supply, according to a report published on August 3, 2026. Banks bought dollars at Tk122.45 in May, while some are now buying at Tk123.90-95, with the market rate near Tk124. The central bank has set a dollar rate for banks amid the pressure.
Bankers said increased government letters of credit for energy imports have raised demand for dollars. Remittance inflows fell by about $1 billion over the past two months, export earnings also declined, and import spending remained broadly unchanged. Remittances totalled $2.81 billion in June and $2.85 billion in July. International fuel oil prices rose from $60-70 per barrel to about $90, a Bangladesh Bank official said.
A state-owned bank official said monthly spending for BPC, BPDB and fertilizer imports increased by about $100 million. Petroleum-product imports reached $9 billion in July-May of fiscal 2025-26, up from $4.80 billion a year earlier. Former Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H Mansur opposed selling reserve dollars and suggested allowing a Tk2-3 market-aligned depreciation.