The Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Bangladesh has recommended the implementation of a unified and fully market-driven exchange rate by the Bangladesh Bank after the national elections. Despite officially having unified rates, PRI suggests that these are only on paper, and a disparity exists due to a shortage of the U.S. dollar. The organization notes that people are being compelled to pay rates much higher than official ones due to a dollar crisis in the market, with banks refusing to open letters of credit.
The PRI Executive Director criticizes the inefficiency of the Bangladesh Bank’s attempt to implement a unified exchange rate and highlights the emergence of an unofficial market in the interbank. The organization urges the adjustment of exchange rates after the elections to address the volatility in the foreign exchange market.