Bangladesh has witnessed an extraordinary financial surge in the opening days of February 2026, as expatriate workers repatriated a staggering ৳6,173 crore (approximately $506 million) in a mere four-day window. According to the latest figures released by Bangladesh Bank, this influx marks a significant acceleration in remittance momentum, largely attributed to the heightened activity surrounding the nation’s upcoming general elections.
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A Striking Year-on-Year Growth
This sharp rise in capital represents a 19.8% increase compared to the same period in February 2025, during which the nation received ৳5,145 crore ($422 million). Historically, such concentrated volumes of remittance are typically reserved for the periods preceding the two Eid festivals. However, the current “election fever” has disrupted traditional seasonal patterns, driving a rapid infusion of foreign currency into the domestic economy.
Election Logistics Fueling the Surge
Senior banking officials have observed that the spike is intrinsically linked to the electoral cycle. As candidates and political organisations ramp up their activities, substantial funds are being mobilised through the diaspora to meet campaign expenditures. Supporters abroad are reportedly fundraising and transferring capital under the guise of personal remittances to fuel local political logistics. Analysts suggest that this trend is likely to persist until the conclusion of the polls, as the demand for liquidity remains high.
Remittance Trends: A Comparative Overview
The following table illustrates the recent trajectory of remittance inflows, highlighting the shift from a steady mid-year performance to the high-velocity surge currently being witnessed.
| Period | Total Remittance (USD) | Approx. Value (BDT Crore) | Market Sentiment |
| July 2025 | $2.48 Billion | ৳30,240 | Stable post-fiscal start |
| August 2025 | $2.42 Billion | ৳29,510 | Marginal seasonal dip |
| November 2025 | $2.89 Billion | ৳35,240 | Election buildup begins |
| December 2025 | $3.22 Billion | ৳39,265 | Sharp upward momentum |
| January 2026 | $3.17 Billion | ৳38,655 | Sustained high volume |
| Feb 1–4, 2026 | $506 Million | ৳6,173 | Unprecedented 4-day surge |
Economic Stability and Forex Reserves
The broader impact of these inflows on the national economy has been profound. Throughout 2025, Bangladesh secured a total of $32.82 billion (approx. ৳4 lakh crore) in total remittances. Remarkably, this annual figure is nearly identical to the total foreign exchange reserves currently held by the central bank.
This steady supply of “greenback” liquidity has effectively mitigated the dollar shortages that hindered the market in previous years. To ensure exchange rate stability, Bangladesh Bank has been active in purchasing excess dollars from commercial banks. This strategic intervention has not only stabilised the Taka but has also allowed for a gradual fortification of national reserves, providing a vital cushion against potential global economic volatility.
