Bangladeshi taka softens as banks hold dollars

The Bangladeshi taka closed slightly easier in interbank trade on Wednesday as a major public bank hoarded dollars to make import payments, dealers said.
The taka was quoted at 58.87/58.99 per US dollar against 58.87/58.95 on Tuesday.
One public bank, which manages government funds, held onto its dollars to cover fuel import payments and open letters of credit.
"The taka lost ground further against the greenback due to short supply in the wake of import-related demand," a dealer at a foreign bank said.
Some importers sought the US currency for imports of pharmaceutical products and garment accessories, dealers said.
Fund managers said call rates remained unchanged at its previous close of 2.0-5.0 percent.
"Call rates remained the same due to plenty of liquidity," a fund manager said.