The gross forex reserves rose to $35.04 billion on the day, up from $33.87 billion the previous day, according to the central bank’s traditional calculation method.

Under the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Balance of Payments International Investment Poisson Manual-six edition, generally known as BMP6, the forex reserves stood at $30.37 billion during the period under review from $30.20 billion.

“Hefty growth in inward remittances has boosted overall foreign exchange inflows rather than outflows, despite the Middle East conflict,” a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) said, explaining the improvement in the forex reserves.

The flow of inward remittances grew by more than 21 per cent to $1.79 billion during April 01-15 this calendar year, up from $1.47 billion in the same period of last year.

The central banker also said the country’s overall import payment obligations remain relatively low, at around $6.0 billion per month, despite volatility in oil prices.

On the other hand, the central bank intervened into the forex market again on Thursday through purchasing $50 million through auction from four banks in the interbank spot market to keep the exchange rate of the US dollar against the local currency stable.

The amount was bought under the Multiple Price Auction method and the cutoff rate was BDT 122.75 per dollar, according to the central bank officials.

A day earlier, the central bank resumed dollar purchases after a six-week pause, signalling renewed intervention to stabilise the exchange rate of the US dollar against the local currency amid a surge in remittance inflows.

The central bank purchased $70 million on Wednesday from a Shariah-based bank in a similar auction.

The ongoing intervention is also contributing to a gradual strengthening of the country’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the officials.

 “We’re purchasing the US dollars from banks directly to absorb the higher inflow of remittances,” another central banker said.

He also added that such intervention helps keep the exchange rate of the US dollar against the local currency stable, which in turn encourages both exporters and remitters.

The central bank of Bangladesh has so far bought $5.61 billion from banks directly since July 13 last under the prevailing free-floating   exchange rate arrangement, the central bank’s latest data showed.

BBN/SSR/AD

Inflation as measured by the consumers' price index (CPI) fell to 8.71 per cent in March 2026 from 9.13 per cent of the previous month on the point-to-point basis, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)’s latest data, released on Sunday.

The inflation in the case of food items came down to 8.24 per cent in March 2026 from 9.30 per cent a month before while the non-food inflation rose to 9.09 per cent from 9.01 per cent on the point-to-point basis.

On the other hand, the inflation came down to 8.60 per cent during the period under review from 8.65 per cent a month ago on the 12-month average basis, the BBS data showed.

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The main congregation under DSCC will be held at the National Eidgah ground adjacent to the Supreme Court premises at 8:30am. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, after inspecting the venue, said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and peaceful congregation.

The prime minister, chief justice, cabinet members, diplomats, and other senior officials are expected to attend the Eidgah congregation, he added.

The Eidgah, spanning around 25,400 square metres, can accommodate approximately 35,000 devotees at a time. A large covered structure has been set up with adequate fans, lighting, and air-cooling facilities. Separate prayer spaces and entry routes have also been arranged for women.

Authorities have taken contingency measures in case of rain, including waterproof coverings and rapid drainage systems. If weather conditions worsen, the main congregation will be shifted to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9:00am.

Facilities have been arranged for around 140 people to perform ablution simultaneously, alongside provisions for safe drinking water, emergency medical services, and mobile toilets.

Law enforcement agencies will maintain strict surveillance, with archway screening at entrances. Four entry and seven exit gates have been designated to ensure smooth crowd movement, while fire service units will remain on standby. Worshippers have been advised not to carry sharp or flammable objects.

Meanwhile, DNCC will hold its main Eid congregation at the old trade fair ground in Agargaon at 8:00am. DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan said comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure a hassle-free gathering.

A steel-structured shed has been installed to prevent disruption in case of rainfall. Arrangements have been made for around 10,000 worshippers, with scope to expand capacity if required. Separate prayer areas and entry routes have also been designated for women.

Security measures include archway screening at entry points and deployment of a large number of law enforcement personnel.

Officials said the coordinated efforts by the two city corporations aim to ensure that residents can offer Eid prayers in a safe, orderly, and comfortable environment.

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The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said the restrictions were lifted to facilitate smooth travel during the upcoming Eid holidays and to support farmers’ fuel needs during the ongoing boro cultivation season.

With the improvement in supply, fuel will now be available at all distribution points according to demand with immediate effect and until further notice.

The government had earlier introduced rationing and other controls as a precautionary measure amid concerns over possible disruptions in the international fuel market due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Fears of a potential oil shortage spread across the country after uncertainty emerged in the global fuel market linked to the Middle East situation. As many buyers began purchasing more fuel than required, the government imposed limits on petrol, octane and diesel sales from March 6 to keep supply stable.

Under that directive, motorcycles were allowed to purchase up to two litres of fuel per day.

The limit was set at 20–25 litres for sports utility vehicles and microbuses, 70–80 litres for pickup vans and local buses, and 200–220 litres per day for long-distance buses, trucks, covered vans and container trucks.

The cap for ride-sharing motorcycles was later raised from two litres to five litres in response to demand from riders.

With the withdrawal of these limits, consumers will once again be able to purchase fuel according to their needs.

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According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, the country settled $1.37 billion in import payment obligations to the ACU member countries for the January–February 2026 period.

Following the payment, gross forex reserves declined to $34.10 billion on Sunday from $35.49 billion on the previous working day.

However, under the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6) reporting framework of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bangladesh’s reserves stood lower at $29.38 billion, down from $30.76 billion earlier.

The BPM6 methodology excludes certain assets such as encumbered funds and deposits with local banks, providing a more realistic measure of usable reserves.

External Stability Despite Routine Outflows

Despite the decline following the ACU settlement, central bank officials say the reserve position remains comfortable. A senior official of Bangladesh Bank noted that the current reserve level is sufficient to cover more than five months of import payments, which is generally considered a safe threshold for external sector stability in developing economies.

The ACU payment itself represents a routine settlement mechanism for regional trade transactions. Member countries clear their outstanding import bills and related interest every two months through the multilateral arrangement.

Key Drivers Behind Reserve Stability

Several factors have contributed to the recent resilience in Bangladesh’s forex reserves:

1. Strong Remittance Inflows

Remittance inflows from expatriate Bangladeshis have remained robust, providing a steady supply of foreign currency to the banking system.

2. Stable Export Growth

Export earnings—particularly from the ready-made garment sector—have continued to grow steadily, supporting the balance of payments.

3. Lower Import Demand

A moderation in import payments, partly due to cautious business spending and earlier policy tightening, has reduced pressure on reserves.

4. Central Bank Dollar Purchases

The central bank of Bangladesh has also actively intervened in the foreign exchange market. Since July 13 last year, the central bank has purchased $5.49 billion from commercial banks under the country’s prevailing market-based or free-floating exchange rate regime. Such purchases help rebuild reserves when dollar supply improves in the interbank market.

Declining ACU Payment Signals Softer Imports

The latest ACU payment of $1.37 billion is lower than the $1.53 billion settled in the previous cycle, largely reflecting reduced imports from ACU member countries.

Bangladesh mainly imports consumer goods, cotton, industrial raw materials and capital machinery from these regional partners, particularly from neighbouring India.

The ACU currently includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, enabling participating central banks to settle intra-regional trade transactions on a multilateral basis.

BBN/SSR/AD

Inflation as measured by the consumers' price index (CPI) rose to 9.13 per cent in February 2026 from 8.58 per cent of the previous month on the point-to-point basis, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)’s latest data, released on Sunday.

The rate of inflation in the case of food items reached at 8.30 per cent in February 2026 from 8.29 per cent a month before while the non-food inflation rose to 9.01 per cent from 8.81 per cent.  

On the other hand, the inflation came down to 8.65 per cent during the period under review from 8.66 per cent a month ago on the 12-month average basis, the BBS data showed.

Bangladesh has been struggling with persistent inflation for more than three years, putting significant pressure on consumers’ purchasing power. Although inflation has moderated slightly in recent months, the 12-month average rate remained above 8.5 percent in January, despite the central bank maintaining a hawkish monetary policy stance.

BBN/SSR/AD

However, they did not take oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council.

At the outset of the oath-taking ceremony, BNP leader Salauddin Ahmed said that, on the instructions of party Chief Tarique Rahman, BNP MPs-elect were asked not to sign the Constitution Reform Council form as they were not elected to the council.

He also said that the Constitution Reform Council is not included in the constitution and must first be incorporated in line with the referendum outcome. Besides, he added, necessary rules are also required, including provisions on who will administer the oath to members of the council.

Accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, Tarique Rahman entered the oath-taking room around 10:28 AM.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath at 10:43 AM in line with the Constitution as the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament are currently vacant.

Jamaat MPs-elect is scheduled to be sworn in at 12:00 PM at the same place.

On Friday night, the Election Commission published the gazette for 297 out of 299 seats in the 13th national election.

Mohammed Shahabuddin is scheduled to administer the oath-taking ceremony of the new government at the parliament’s South Plaza at 4:00 PM today.

BNP secured an absolute majority by winning 209 seats. For the first time, Jamaat-e-Islami is set to become the main opposition party with 68 seats.

BBN/SSR/AD

On the other hand, the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has secured 38 seats so far, based on unofficial counts.

Among the BNP’s winning candidates are Md Asaduzzaman from Jhenaidah-2, Mustafa Kamal Pasha from Chattogram-3, Zainul Abdin Farroque from Noakhali-2, and Salahuddin Ahmed from Cox’s Bazar-1.

BNP allies also recorded victories, including Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Nurul Haque Nur from Patuakhali-3.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-nominated candidate Mostafizur Rahman was elected from the Kurigram-4 constituency.

BBN/SSR/AD

Voting started at 7:30am nationwide, with voters arriving steadily and forming lines in front of polling stations in different districts. It will be continued until 4:30 pm.

In Chattogram, polling began across the city’s 16 constituencies, where 115 candidates are contesting. Long queues were observed at several centres, including the Omar Gani MES College polling station in the Khulshi area under the Chattogram-10 constituency.

According to the returning officers’ offices, the city has 6,682,517 registered voters, including 3,483,887 men, 3,198,560 women and 70 transgender voters.

In Khulna, voting began peacefully at 840 centres, with no reports of any untoward incidents during the early hours. At the Rayermahal Taltala Government Primary School polling centre under Khulna-3, long queues of women voters were seen from the morning. First-time voter Laila Khatun said, “This is my first time voting. I feel very good.” Housewife Salma Begum also expressed satisfaction, saying she was happy to vote after a long time.

In Lakshmipur, the election began amid a festive atmosphere and tight security arrangements. Polling started at 7:30am across the district’s four constituencies, where 29 candidates are contesting. Authorities categorised 496 polling centres based on security importance—215 highly important, 198 important and 83 general. Long queues were seen at centres such as Uttar Lorens Madinatul Ulum Madrasa in Lakshmipur-4 and Lakshmipur Girls’ School in Lakshmipur-3.

In Narsingdi, voting is underway peacefully at 663 centres across five constituencies. At the Chinishpur Government Primary School centre under Narsingdi-1 (Sadar), large numbers of voters were seen standing in separate queues for men and women, with law enforcement personnel on duty to ensure smooth polling.

In Cumilla, voter turnout was strong, with long lines extending beyond polling centres. At Dhamaicha Government Primary School in Laksam, Presiding Officer Md Saiful Islam said the centre has eight booths and 4,004 voters, including 2,110 men and 1,894 women. “There is voter pressure at present and it is expected to decrease gradually,” he said. An elderly voter, Nomita Rani Pal, said she felt good after casting her vote following a long gap.

At Makrabpur Government Primary School and Makrabpur High School in Nangalkot, a total of 7,826 voters—3,853 men and 3,973 women—were registered.

In Rajshahi, voting is being held at 778 polling centres across six constituencies. At Shah Makhdum College and Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute in Rajshahi-2, voters were seen standing in queues from early morning. BNP candidate Mizanur Rahman Minu cast his vote around 8am and described the environment as peaceful, expressing optimism about victory. Jamaat-nominated candidate Mohammad Jahangir also noted a large turnout, though he mentioned slight slowness in the voting process.

In Bogura, voting is taking place in seven constituencies, with a total of 3,295 registered voters—1,613 men and 1,682 women.

Overall, the election process has so far remained peaceful, with voters across the country participating enthusiastically in what many described as a festive democratic exercise.

BBN/SSR/AD

Inflation as measured by the consumers' price index (CPI) rose to 8.58 per cent in January 2026 from 8.49 per cent of the previous month on the point-to-point basis, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)’s latest data, released on Sunday.

Overall inflation has maintained an upward trajectory in recent months, climbing from 8.17 per cent in October to 8.29 per cent in November and further to 8.49 per cent in December.

The rate of inflation in the case of food items reached at 8.29 per cent in January 2026 from 7.71 per cent a month before while the non-food inflation came down to 8.81per cent from 9.13 per cent on the point-to-point basis.

On the other hand, the inflation came down to 8.66 per cent during the period under review from 8.77 per cent a month ago on the 12-month average basis.

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