Forex reserves to hit $30b by June: BB governor

Bangladesh Bank (BB) governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur said on Wednesday that the country's foreign exchange reserves will rise to $30 billion by June, up from the current $27 billion.
He stressed the need to strengthen the banking sector to maximize service delivery while working toward a long-term target of $40 billion in reserves.
The governor made the remarks during the unveiling of a research study on Bangladesh's financial development trends, organized by Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank and the International Growth Centre (IGC).
The event, held at Hotel Amari in Gulshan, highlighted critical insights into the country's financial inclusion challenges.
Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman said, "This study sheds light on areas where financial services remain uneven. We must now act to ensure that no district or community is left behind."PRI Chairman Dr. Zaidi Sattar pointed out that the research exposes deep spatial inequalities in banking services, with national averages masking significant gaps. He called for targeted efforts to identify and serve excluded populations.
PRI Chief Economist Dr. Ashikur Rahman presented stark data revealing that 75 per cent of loans go to just 1 per cent of account holders, while 78 per cent of total lending remains concentrated in Dhaka and Chattogram. Despite decades of banking expansion, private banks continue to cluster in wealthier eastern regions, leaving poorer areas underserved.
Panelists, including IGC Senior Advisor Dr. Nasiruddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Md. Anisur Rahman, emphasized the need for policy adjustments, improved regulatory frameworks, and better data collection to address these imbalances.
With foreign exchange reserves set to grow, Bangladesh faces the dual challenge of maintaining macroeconomic stability while ensuring equitable financial development across all regions. The central bank's focus on expanding inclusive banking service will be crucial in achieving sustainable economic progress.