Remittances Exceed $3 Billion, Surge 19% Year-on-Year

Expatriates sent over $3.02 billion to Bangladesh in February 2026, representing a 19.15% increase compared to February 2025, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank. The February inflow marks one of the highest single-month remittance records for the month in recent years.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan informed journalists that the robust inflows are largely attributed to expatriates transferring additional funds to support family expenses ahead of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. The rise in remittances through formal banking channels has encouraged the central bank to continue purchasing dollars via auctions. Over $5 billion has been acquired by the central bank through such auctions in the current fiscal year up to February 2026.

A senior official from a private bank noted that the sustained increase in remittance flows reflects stronger reliance on formal banking channels, a trend that has persisted over the past eighteen months. He highlighted that banks are currently purchasing remittance dollars at Tk122.40 to Tk122.45 per USD, narrowing the gap with the informal market due to a decline in hundi operations following the political transition in August 2024. Many former operators of informal channels, previously linked to the old government, are reportedly no longer in the country, further strengthening formal inflows.

In January 2026, remittances reached $3.17 billion, the third-highest monthly figure on record, marking a 45.41% rise from January 2025. The highest ever remittance inflow was $3.29 billion in March 2025, followed by $3.22 billion in December 2025, illustrating a consistent upward trajectory.

For the first eight months of fiscal year 2025-26 (July 2025 to February 2026), total remittances reached $22.45 billion, a 21.4% growth from $18.49 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year. Analysts attribute this continued growth to seasonal transfers, improved banking accessibility, and a reduction in informal remittance channels.

Monthly Remittance Inflows (USD Billion)

Bankers and analysts maintain a positive outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year, anticipating further growth in remittances ahead of key festivals and due to improved trust in formal banking systems.