Remittances from Abroad Surpass Three Billion

Bangladesh witnessed an unprecedented surge in remittances from expatriates in February 2026, signalling continued growth in foreign inflows. According to data released by Bangladesh Bank, overseas Bangladeshis sent a total of USD 3.02 billion during the month, marking a 19.15% increase compared with February 2025. This is among the highest remittance inflows recorded for February in recent years, reflecting a sustained upward trend.

A spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, Arif Hossain Khan, told journalists, “With Eid and Ramadan approaching, expatriates are sending additional funds, supporting household expenses and family needs. The central bank is also purchasing dollars from the market to manage the impact of this extra inflow. Since July 2025, the central bank has bought over USD 5 billion through the auction system in the current fiscal year.”

A senior banking official added, “The continuous growth over the past 18 months demonstrates that expatriates are increasingly using formal and regulated banking channels. Banks are currently buying remittances at BDT 122.40–122.45 per USD, narrowing the gap between official and informal (‘hundi’) rates. Following the political transition in August 2024, informal channels have declined significantly, further strengthening official remittance flows.”

In January 2026, remittances reached USD 3.17 billion, reflecting a 45.41% increase from the previous year. Monthly peaks were recorded at USD 3.29 billion in March 2025 and USD 3.22 billion in December 2025, highlighting the seasonal and sustained nature of these inflows.

Over the first eight months of the 2025–26 fiscal year (July 2025–February 2026), total remittances amounted to USD 22.45 billion, up 21.4% from USD 18.49 billion in the same period the previous year. Analysts attribute this growth to seasonal remittance patterns, improvements in banking infrastructure, and the decline of informal channels.

Monthly Remittance Summary (USD Billion)

Economists and bankers are optimistic that remittance inflows will further increase towards the end of the year, particularly ahead of major festivals. Growing confidence in formal channels is being viewed as a positive signal for foreign currency reserves and economic stability.

The continuous inflow of remittances is also enhancing domestic market liquidity and strengthening investor confidence, which in turn supports national economic growth.