Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The Bangladesh Taka (BDT) weakened by more than BDT 0.46 against the US Dollar (USD) in last week’s trading due mainly to higher demand for the greenback for settling the outstanding import bills, particularly those of petroleum products.

The week started with the USD/BDT trading at around 81.95 – 81.99 range, treasury officials said.

On Tuesday, the USD/BDT broke the psychological 82.00 level to trade between USD/BDT 82.01 and 82.05 range in direct USD/BDT trading, they added.

The US Dollar (USD) strengthened further against the USD on Thursday to end the week at around 82.20 – 82.45 range.

The BDT has depreciated by 15.55 per cent against the US dollar in 2011 due to higher demand for the greenback for settling the outstanding import bills, particularly those of fuel oil. This is the highest percentage depreciation in BDT value against the USD since 2000.

BBN/SSR/AD-07Jan12-2:35 pm (BST)