Bangladesh has witnessed a significant uptick in remittance inflows during the first half of February, according to official sources. Between 1 and 16 February, the country received a total of USD 1,807 million in remittances, marking a 21.2 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, when inflows amounted to USD 1,490 million. This represents a year-on-year rise of USD 317 million in just the first 16 days of the month.
The positive momentum extends across the current 2025–26 fiscal year (July–16 February), with remittances amounting to USD 21,240 million, up from USD 17,452 million during the same period in the previous fiscal year. This translates into an overall growth of approximately 21.7 per cent, underscoring the role of expatriate earnings in bolstering the nation’s foreign currency reserves, meeting import costs, and mitigating ongoing economic pressures.
A comparative snapshot of remittance inflows is presented below:
| Period | Remittance (Million USD) | Same Period Last Year (Million USD) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–16 February | 1,807 | 1,490 | 21.2% |
| July–16 February | 21,240 | 17,452 | ~21.7% |
January, the recently concluded month, recorded particularly robust remittance inflows. The total for the month reached USD 3.17 billion, equivalent to approximately BDT 38,674 crore at an exchange rate of 1 USD = 122 BDT. This marks one of the highest single-month remittance inflows in recent years.
Economists attribute the sustained growth in remittances to several factors. Continued government incentives for transferring money through formal channels, simplification of banking procedures, and measures discouraging informal “hundi” transactions have all contributed positively. Additionally, increased earnings and expanded employment opportunities for Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East, Europe, and North America have played a key role.
In the context of global economic uncertainty, remittances remain a vital pillar of Bangladesh’s economy. Alongside export revenues, these inflows help maintain the balance of foreign exchange, stabilise the national currency, and support positive macroeconomic trends. Analysts expect that if this growth trajectory continues in the coming months, Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves will strengthen further, enhancing the country’s overall economic resilience.