Remittance Surges at February’s Outset

Bangladesh has received a strong boost from expatriate earnings at the very start of February, signalling renewed momentum in remittance inflows and offering reassurance to the broader economy. In the first two days of the month alone, overseas Bangladeshis sent home USD 326 million, averaging roughly USD 163 million per day. This early surge represents a notable improvement compared with the same period last year and reflects a strengthening trend in formal remittance channels.

According to the latest figures released by Bangladesh Bank, remittance receipts during the first two days of February 2025 were almost double those recorded a year earlier. In early February 2024, inflows stood at only USD 177 million over the same two-day period. The sharp year-on-year increase highlights a significant turnaround in expatriate money transfers and underscores growing confidence in the country’s banking system.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the data on Tuesday, noting that the improvement is not an isolated development. Economists attribute the growth to several reinforcing factors, including stricter government action against informal hundi networks, improved exchange rate incentives, and enhanced efficiency in banking channels. Together, these measures have encouraged expatriates to remit funds through official avenues rather than informal routes.

A broader analysis of central bank data shows that from July to 2 February of the current 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh received a total of USD 19.759 billion in remittances. This represents a 22.3 per cent increase compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year. Such growth has played a vital role in supporting foreign exchange reserves, easing pressure on the balance of payments, and helping the authorities meet import obligations while maintaining relative stability in the currency market.

January also delivered a strong performance. During that month, remittance inflows reached USD 3.17094 billion, ranking as the third-highest monthly figure in Bangladesh’s history and the second-highest for the ongoing fiscal year. The robust January outcome appears to have carried over into February, suggesting continuity rather than a one-off spike.

On an annual basis, the picture is even more striking. Over the full 2024–25 fiscal year, expatriates sent a record USD 30.32 billion back to Bangladesh—the highest remittance total ever recorded in a single fiscal year. Analysts believe that if the current pace is sustained, it could significantly improve the country’s external account position and strengthen overall macroeconomic stability.

Recent Remittance Overview (USD)

Overall, the strong start to February has injected fresh optimism into the economic outlook, with policymakers and economists alike expecting the positive remittance trajectory to continue in the months ahead.