Ever walked into a bank in Dhaka thinking you knew the exchange rate, only to realize the number on the screen is a total lie? Honestly, checking the rate of US dollar in Bangladesh today has become a daily ritual for anyone with a relative abroad or a business to run. It's confusing. One minute you're hearing about a "crawling peg" from the central bank, and the next, your local money changer is quoting you something else entirely.
As of January 18, 2026, the market is behaving... interestingly.
While the official interbank rate is hovering around 122.46 BDT, the reality on the street is often a different story. If you're trying to send money home or pay for an import LC, you've likely noticed that the "official" number is just the starting point of a much longer conversation.
The Current State of the Dollar in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Bank has been trying to play it cool with this "crawling peg" system they introduced back in 2024. Basically, they set a mid-rate—currently sitting near that 122.50 mark—and let banks trade slightly above or below it. It’s meant to stop the Taka from crashing overnight, but it also means the rate isn't truly "free."
Here is what the numbers look like right now:
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- Interbank Rate: ~122.46 BDT
- Remittance Rate: Banks are offering slightly more, often around 123.50 to 124.00 BDT including government incentives.
- Kerb Market (Open Market): This is where it gets wild. In areas like Motijheel or Gulshan, you might see rates hitting 125.00 BDT or higher depending on how much cash is actually available in the drawer.
Why the gap? It’s basically supply and demand. Even though remittance hit a massive $16.27 billion in the first half of this fiscal year (July–December 2025), the hunger for dollars for fuel, fertilizer, and industrial raw materials is still massive. We are importing more than we are exporting, and that keeps the Taka under pressure.
Why the Rate of US Dollar in Bangladesh Today Keeps Shifting
You’ve probably heard people blaming "syndicates" or the "hundi" market. While those play a role, the bigger picture involves the IMF and our own central bank's foreign exchange reserves.
Bangladesh is currently in the middle of an IMF loan program. One of their big demands? Make the exchange rate market-based. No more artificial "fixing." Because of this, the Bangladesh Bank has had to slowly let the Taka devalue. Back in early 2024, the rate was 110. Now, we are looking at 122 plus.
It's painful for us consumers.
Everything we buy—from the oil in our kitchens to the iPhones in our pockets—is imported. When the dollar goes up, your grocery bill follows about 48 hours later.
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The Remittance Factor
Remittance is the backbone of our dollar supply. In December 2025 alone, expatriates sent over $3.23 billion. That’s a huge win. The government’s 2.5% incentive for sending money through legal channels is still active, which helps. But let’s be real: if the "hundi" rate is 5-6 Taka higher than the bank rate, people are going to take the risk.
Banks are now allowed to offer "competitive" rates to attract these dollars, which is why you see different prices at Brac Bank vs. Dutch-Bangla or Islami Bank.
The Crawling Peg: Genius or Just a Band-Aid?
The term "crawling peg" sounds like something out of a physics textbook, but it’s actually a middle ground.
Instead of a fixed rate (which drained our reserves) or a free float (which could cause a 1990s-style currency collapse), the crawling peg allows the Taka to "crawl" alongside the dollar. It’s a managed float.
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Dr. Fahmida Khatun from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has often pointed out that while this system brings some stability, the real test is whether it can narrow the gap with the open market. If the gap is too wide, the formal economy loses out.
What This Means for Your Money
If you’re a regular person just trying to navigate this, here’s the deal.
If you are an exporter, you’re smiling. Your $10,000 shipment just became worth a lot more Taka than it was six months ago. But if you’re a student planning to go abroad or a small business owner importing spare parts, the rate of US dollar in Bangladesh today is a headache.
Pro-tip: Don't just look at the Google exchange rate. Google often shows the mid-market rate which no retail bank will actually give you. Always check the "Selling Rate" on the specific website of the bank you use.
Actionable Steps for Today
- Compare Bank Rates: Before sending or withdrawing, check at least three different banks. The spread can vary by 50-80 paisa.
- Use Formal Channels: That 2.5% government incentive is guaranteed cash. Plus, it helps the national reserve, which eventually stabilizes the currency for everyone.
- Watch the Reserves: Keep an eye on the Bangladesh Bank’s monthly reserve reports. If reserves are going up, the Taka usually stabilizes. If they drop, expect the dollar to get more expensive soon.
- Hedge Your Costs: If you have a big dollar-denominated payment coming up in a month, talk to your bank about forward booking or simply buy your dollars now if the trend looks upward.
The volatility isn't going away tomorrow. With the global economy still shaky and our internal demand for energy imports rising, the Taka will likely stay under pressure for the rest of 2026. Stay informed, check the rates daily, and don't get caught off guard by the "hidden" fees banks often tack on.