During the first sixteen days of February, Bangladesh has witnessed a remarkable rise in remittance inflows, signalling continued strength in expatriate earnings. According to data from official government sources and banking institutions, the country received USD 1,807 million in remittances from 1–16 February, marking a 21.2 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when inflows stood at USD 1,490 million. This represents an increase of nearly USD 317 million in just one year.
The positive trend extends to the current 2025–26 fiscal year (July–16 February), with remittances sustaining robust growth. During this period, Bangladesh received a total of USD 21,240 million, compared with USD 17,452 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year, reflecting an annual growth of approximately 21.7 per cent. Economists note that this growth is crucial for strengthening the country’s foreign currency reserves, covering import expenditures, and mitigating ongoing economic pressures.
A comparative overview of the remittance inflows is presented below:
| Period | Remittances (USD million) | Same Period Last Year (USD million) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–16 February | 1,807 | 1,490 | 21.2 |
| July–16 February | 21,240 | 17,452 | ~21.7 |
January, the most recently concluded month, recorded exceptionally strong inflows as a standalone month. Throughout January, USD 3.17 billion was sent to Bangladesh, equivalent to approximately BDT 38,674 crore at an exchange rate of BDT 122 per US dollar. This marks one of the highest monthly remittance inflows in recent years.
Economists attribute the surge in remittances to several key factors: ongoing government incentives for sending money through formal channels, streamlined banking procedures, and measures discouraging informal ‘hundi’ transactions. Additionally, rising earnings and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi expatriates across the Middle East, Europe, and North America have contributed to the upward trend.
In the context of global economic uncertainty, remittances continue to be a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy. Alongside export earnings, these inflows play a vital role in maintaining the balance of foreign transactions, stabilising the exchange rate, and supporting positive macroeconomic trends. Authorities remain optimistic that, if this growth trajectory continues in the coming months, the country’s foreign currency reserves will be further strengthened.