Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh has received an estimated $2.83 billion in remittances from overseas workers during the first 23 days of March, underscoring the robust inflows amid the festive season. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, $392 million was sent home between 16 and 23 March, contributing to a cumulative total of $2.828 billion from 1 to 23 March.
Year-on-Year Growth
The inflow of remittances in March 2026 shows a notable increase compared with the same period in 2025, when $2.633 billion was received. This represents an approximate 7.4% year-on-year growth, highlighting both the resilience and steady expansion of overseas worker contributions. Analysts attribute the rise partly to seasonal factors, with migrant workers typically sending extra funds home in preparation for Eid festivities, covering higher household expenditures during the holiday period.
| Period | Remittance Inflow (USD) | Year-on-Year Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 1–23 March 2026 | 2,828,000,000 | +7.4% from $2,633,000,000 in 2025 |
| 16–23 March 2026 | 392,000,000 | Part of monthly inflow |
| 1 July 2025 – 23 March 2026 (FY 2025–26) | 25,281,000,000 | +19.7% from $21,123,000,000 in FY 2024–25 |
Fiscal Year Performance
Remittances have maintained a strong trajectory in the 2025–26 fiscal year. From July 2025 to 23 March 2026, Bangladesh received $25.28 billion, compared with $21.12 billion in the same period last year, marking a 19.7% increase. This sustained growth reflects the resilience of remittance flows, even amid global economic uncertainties.
Drivers of Growth
Experts point to several factors supporting this trend:
- Government initiatives encouraging remittances through formal banking channels.
- Incentives for legal transfers, which discourage informal methods such as hundi.
- Higher wages for Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
Economists emphasise that, alongside exports, remittances remain one of the country’s primary sources of foreign currency, helping stabilise reserves, support the national economy, and maintain household income levels across migrant-receiving families.
Recommendations for Sustained Growth
Despite strong short-term performance, analysts highlight measures necessary for long-term stability:
- Developing skilled labour capable of accessing higher-paying international markets.
- Diversifying overseas destinations to reduce dependence on a limited number of regions.
- Streamlining formal remittance channels, making legal transfers simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.
Implementing such strategies could further enhance Bangladesh’s remittance inflows, ensuring continued economic stability and strengthening support for households dependent on migrant earnings.