December Remittance Influx Nears All-Time Record High

In a year defined by profound political and social change, the Bangladeshi diaspora has responded with a monumental show of financial support, driving remittance inflows to near-record heights. As the final days of December 2025 unfold, the nation has witnessed a staggering $3.04 billion in inward transfers within just twenty-nine days. This influx, valued at approximately 37,100 crore BDT, stands as the second-highest monthly total ever recorded in the country’s history, trailing only behind the festive peak seen in March of the previous year.

According to Arif Hossain Khan, the Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, this surge represents more than just a seasonal spike; it reflects a significant restoration of confidence in the nation’s formal financial systems following the recent change in administration. Since the departure of the previous government, a palpable “remittance wave” has taken hold, with expatriates opting for legal banking channels over informal “Hundi” networks. This shift is crucial for a country currently navigating a complex economic recovery, providing a much-needed buffer for foreign exchange reserves.

The data for the first half of the 2025–26 fiscal year illustrates a remarkably consistent upward trend. From July through late December, total remittances have amassed to $16.08 billion, a substantial increase of $2.42 billion over the same period last year. This represents a vigorous year-on-year growth rate of 17.7%, a figure that far outpaces growth in other struggling economic sectors.

Monthly Trajectory of Inward Remittance (FY 2025–26)

The central bank attributes this sustained success to a combination of proactive policy-making and patriotic fervour. Incentives for using official banking channels have been streamlined, and exchange houses have played a more aggressive role in facilitating transfers. Furthermore, the 16.5% growth observed across the entire fiscal year to date suggests that Bangladesh is well on its way to surpassing its previous annual record of $30.33 billion. As the year draws to a close, this “remittance revolution” serves as a vital lifeline, underpinning the nation’s sovereign financial health.