The country’s foreign currency reserves have risen to $27.41 billion as of Wednesday, the Bangladesh Bank said today.

Based on IMF standards, reserves stand at $22.04 billion, with net reserves at about $17 billion — just $1 billion short of meeting a key IMF bailout requirement.

To unlock the third and fourth tranches of the $4.7 billion IMF loan, the net reserve target must be met by June. 

Central bank officials remain optimistic about reaching the goal on time, said Executive Director and Spokesman Arif Hossain Khan.

MN