Remittance inflows to Bangladesh have accelerated markedly in the run-up to the national election, providing timely relief to foreign-exchange liquidity and supporting currency stability. Central bank data show that expatriate Bangladeshis sent home an average of Tk 15.5 billion per day during the first nine days of the current month. In dollar terms, remittances totalled USD 1.135 billion over the period, equivalent to roughly Tk 139.6 billion at prevailing exchange rates, underscoring a sustained surge that has now extended for a second consecutive month.
The year-on-year comparison is striking. During the first nine days of February last year, remittance inflows amounted to USD 866 million. This implies an increase of about 32.3 per cent over the same period this year, according to updated figures released by Bangladesh Bank. Bankers note that remittances typically peak ahead of the two major Eid festivals, when families require additional cash. The present upswing, however, is widely attributed to election-related dynamics, including heightened financial support from expatriate communities and the mobilisation of campaign funds abroad that are subsequently remitted through formal banking channels.
Monthly data point to a broader recovery in inflows after a period of relative softness. Remittances in January reached USD 3.17 billion, following USD 3.22 billion in December. In the preceding five months, inflows had remained below the USD 3 billion mark, contributing to tighter dollar liquidity in the domestic market. The recent rebound has therefore been welcomed by policymakers and market participants alike.
Bangladesh Bank reports that total remittances for 2025 reached USD 32.82 billion, a sum broadly comparable to the country’s current level of foreign-exchange reserves. The robust pace of inflows last year helped avert a severe dollar shortage and supported exchange-rate stability. Throughout the year, the central bank purchased dollars from commercial banks to smooth market volatility and replenish reserves, benefiting from the steady pipeline of expatriate earnings.
A summary of recent remittance trends is set out below:
| Period | Remittances (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 9 days, current month | 1.135 billion | Average Tk 15.5bn per day |
| First 9 days, February last year | 0.866 billion | Year-on-year rise ~32.3% |
| January (current year) | 3.17 billion | Monthly total |
| December (previous year) | 3.22 billion | Monthly total |
| Full year 2025 | 32.82 billion | Comparable to current reserves |
Despite the encouraging inflows, access to funds has been temporarily constrained by election-related disruptions to banking services. Commercial banks have remained closed for four consecutive days, preventing beneficiaries from withdrawing remitted funds over the counter. Customers holding ATM cards can continue to access cash, with daily withdrawal limits of up to Tk 200,000 depending on the bank. However, inter-bank transfers have been suspended during the election period, and mobile financial services have been curtailed. As a result, withdrawals via platforms such as bKash, Rocket and Nagad are currently unavailable, causing short-term inconvenience for households reliant on remittances for daily expenses.
Economists caution that while election-driven inflows provide a short-term boost, sustaining remittance growth will depend on improving formal transfer channels, maintaining competitive exchange rates, and continuing incentives for expatriate workers to remit through regulated banking routes.