More than 10 million Bangladeshis are currently employed overseas, making remittances one of the country’s most important sources of foreign currency and a key pillar of the national economy. Beyond remittance inflows, daily foreign exchange rates play a crucial role in international trade, overseas education, medical treatment abroad, tourism, and import-export activities. As a result, businesses, students, travellers, expatriate families and individuals involved in cross-border transactions closely monitor currency movements.
The latest exchange rates for the Bangladeshi Taka against major international currencies were published on Monday, 20 July, providing an updated reference for foreign currency transactions across the country. These indicative rates are widely used by banks, authorised money exchange houses and financial institutions when processing international payments and foreign exchange services.
Actual buying and selling rates, however, may differ slightly depending on the institution, service charges, whether the transaction involves cash or telegraphic transfer, market demand and supply, and other commercial considerations. Customers are therefore advised to confirm the applicable rate with their chosen bank or authorised exchange provider before completing any transaction.
Financial analysts say exchange rate movements affect far more than remittance receipts. They also influence tuition payments for students studying abroad, overseas medical expenses, international travel budgets, online foreign transactions, and the cost of importing goods and raw materials. Businesses engaged in international trade are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in currency values, as changes in exchange rates can directly affect operating costs, pricing strategies and profitability.
The latest published exchange rates also highlight the continued strength of several Gulf currencies, reflecting their higher purchasing power against the Bangladeshi Taka. This remains especially significant for Bangladeshi migrant workers employed across the Middle East, where stronger local currencies generally translate into higher remittance values when converted into Taka.
The exchange rates released on 20 July are as follows:
| Currency | Value in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Malaysian Ringgit (1) | 30.22 |
| Saudi Riyal (1) | 32.89 |
| US Dollar (1) | 123.16 |
| Euro (1) | 143.38 |
| Italian Euro (1) | 143.38 |
| British Pound Sterling (1) | 166.14 |
| Singapore Dollar (1) | 95.96 |
| Australian Dollar (1) | 86.75 |
| New Zealand Dollar (1) | 72.22 |
| Canadian Dollar (1) | 87.91 |
| UAE Dirham (1) | 33.64 |
| Omani Riyal (1) | 319.05 |
| Bahraini Dinar (1) | 327.85 |
| Qatari Riyal (1) | 33.94 |
| Kuwaiti Dinar (1) | 402.12 |
| Swiss Franc (1) | 149.25 |
| South African Rand (1) | 7.45 |
| Japanese Yen (1) | 0.761 |
| South Korean Won (1) | 0.08288899 |
| Indian Rupee (1) | 1.24 |
Among the listed currencies, the Kuwaiti Dinar remains the highest-valued against the Bangladeshi Taka, with one dinar equivalent to BDT 402.12. It is followed by the Bahraini Dinar, valued at BDT 327.85, and the Omani Riyal, worth BDT 319.05. These high-value Gulf currencies are particularly important for Bangladesh because a substantial share of its overseas workforce is employed in the Middle East, making exchange rate movements a significant factor in determining the value of remittances received by families back home.
At the other end of the scale, the Japanese Yen and South Korean Won remain among the lowest-valued currencies in Taka terms due to their smaller unit denominations. The South African Rand also continues to trade at a comparatively lower value than many of the world’s major currencies.
Market observers note that foreign exchange rates are inherently dynamic and can change throughout the day. They are influenced by a wide range of factors, including global economic conditions, international financial market movements, central bank monetary policies, foreign currency demand and supply, inflation trends and developments in international trade.
Because of these variables, exchange rates may vary between banks and authorised money changers, and even within the same trading day. Anyone planning to receive remittances, transfer funds overseas, purchase foreign currency or travel abroad is therefore encouraged to verify the latest applicable rate with their bank or authorised foreign exchange provider before completing any transaction.