Remittance inflows have once again proved to be a decisive pillar of Bangladesh’s economy, offering much-needed relief amid prolonged dollar shortages, pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and rising import bills. In 2025, the sustained and robust flow of expatriate earnings injected renewed confidence into the financial system, easing liquidity constraints and strengthening the country’s external position.
According to Bangladesh Bank, total remittances received during 2025 amounted to USD 32.82 billion, a notable achievement at a time when many emerging economies continue to grapple with external vulnerabilities. A striking feature of this performance is the high level of concentration: nearly 37 per cent of total remittances were channelled through just three banks, underlining their dominant role in the remittance market.
As in previous years, Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited, a leading private-sector lender operating under Shariah principles, retained its position at the top of the list. However, the year also witnessed a significant development in the state-owned banking segment. Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) emerged as the second-largest recipient of remittances, surpassing several long-established competitors. Agrani Bank, another state-owned institution, secured third place.
Central bank data show that in 2025, expatriates remitted USD 6.204 billion through Islami Bank alone. Bangladesh Krishi Bank followed with USD 3.127 billion, while Agrani Bank handled USD 2.782 billion. Collectively, these three banks accounted for 36.91 per cent of the country’s total remittance inflows, highlighting their extensive overseas networks, correspondent banking relationships, and growing digital capabilities.
The following table summarises remittance inflows through leading banks in 2025:
| Bank Name | Remittances (USD bn) | Share of Total (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Islami Bank Bangladesh | 6.20 | — |
| Bangladesh Krishi Bank | 3.13 | — |
| Agrani Bank | 2.78 | — |
| Janata Bank | 2.26 | — |
| BRAC Bank | 2.17 | — |
| Trust Bank | 1.82 | — |
| Sonali Bank | 1.51 | — |
| Rupali Bank | 1.22 | — |
| City Bank | 0.95 | — |
| Bank Asia | 0.85 | — |
For several years, Bangladesh had struggled with an acute shortage of US dollars, complicating the opening of letters of credit for fuel, fertiliser and essential commodities. Analysts note that since August 2024, following political changes in the country, the upward momentum in remittances has become even more pronounced.
This trend culminated in a historic milestone in March 2025, when monthly remittance inflows reached a record USD 3.29 billion, the highest ever recorded in a single month. Strong performance continued towards the end of the year, with December inflows exceeding USD 3.0 billion, signalling sustained growth.
Bankers attribute this improvement to multiple factors: tighter controls on money laundering and illicit capital flows have curtailed the influence of informal hundi networks, while a relatively stable market-based exchange rate has restored confidence in formal banking channels. In addition, the government’s 2.5 per cent cash incentive, combined with improved integration between banks and mobile financial services, has made formal remittance channels more attractive.
As a result, remittances in 2025 made a substantial contribution to rebuilding foreign exchange reserves. Bangladesh Bank reports that reserves now stand at approximately USD 33 billion, a level widely viewed as a positive indicator of the country’s improving macroeconomic stability.