The Bangladeshi economy is currently experiencing a historic windfall in expatriate income, with daily remittance inflows reaching an astonishing 1,500 crore BDT. As the nation approaches a pivotal general election, the volume of foreign currency sent home by the global diaspora has surged, providing the central bank with a vital fiscal buffer and stabilising the domestic financial landscape.
Unprecedented Growth in January
The latest statistics from Bangladesh Bank reveal a staggering acceleration in capital flowing back into the country. In the first 14 days of January 2026, the nation received $1.703 billion in remittances. When compared to the same timeframe in the previous year—where the figure stood at $1.004 billion—this represents a phenomenal growth of 69.8%. On average, the country is absorbing roughly $121.6 million every single day.
This surge is the peak of a sustained upward trajectory. During the current 2025–26 fiscal year (from July to mid-January), total inflows have reached $17.969 billion, a significant rise from the $14.780 billion recorded during the same period in the prior fiscal cycle.
The “Election Economy” and Market Stability
Market insiders and veteran bankers attribute this liquidity spike to what is being termed the “Election Effect.” As political campaigning for the 2026 polls intensifies, substantial funds are being repatriated to cover electioneering costs. Supporters of various candidates residing abroad are increasingly using formal channels to send capital home—a trend expected to persist until the ballots are cast.
Furthermore, the stability of the Taka has been a welcome byproduct of this influx. While the dollar rate climbed to a stressful 128 BDT during the height of the 2024 crisis, the current abundance of greenbacks has seen the rate settle comfortably around 122 BDT.
Economic Indicators at a Glance
The influx of migrant capital has directly influenced the recovery of the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, which had dipped significantly in recent years.
| Financial Metric | Status as of mid-January 2026 | Contextual Note |
| Jan 1–14 Remittance | $1.703 Billion | 69.8% YoY Increase |
| Daily Inflow Average | ~1,500 Crore BDT | Historic daily peak |
| Current FX Reserves | $32.80 Billion | Up from $26B (Aug 2024) |
| FY26 Total (to date) | $17.969 Billion | July 2025 – Jan 14, 2026 |
| Dollar Exchange Rate | 122.30 BDT | Stabilised from 128 BDT |
Looking Ahead: The Ramadan Factor
Banking professionals remain optimistic that the high volume of transfers will not taper off immediately after the election. With the holy month of Ramadan approaching in March, a traditional period of high charitable giving (Zakat) and increased family spending, the inward flow of foreign currency is expected to remain robust through the first quarter of the year.
The central bank’s strategy of purchasing excess dollars from commercial banks throughout 2025 has proved successful, ensuring that the market remains liquid and that the national reserves continue their steady climb back toward the all-time peak of $48 billion seen in 2021.