FE
Published :
According to data released by Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (Feb 19), if this upward trend continues, total remittances for the month are expected to cross the $3 billion milestone.
Central bank statistics show that January 2026 saw an inflow of $3.17 billion, marking it as the third-highest monthly total in the country’s history. The current fiscal year (FY 2025–26) has shown robust growth, with total remittances reaching $21.56 billion between July 1 and February 18.
This represents a significant 22.3 percent increase compared to the $17.63 billion received during the same period of last fiscal year 2024-25.
The historical peaks for monthly remittances remain:
$3.29 billion (March 2025 – fueled by Eid-ul-Fitr)
$3.22 billion (December 2025)
$3.17 billion (January 2026)
Impact on Reserves
Economists believe the surge in formal channel transfers is a result of a stabilized exchange rate and a decrease in illegal hundi activities following the political transition in August 2024. This influx is providing a much-needed boost to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
As of February 17, the country’s gross reserves stood at $34.54 billion. However, according to the IMF’s BPM-6 calculation method, the net reserves are currently valued at $29.86 billion.
Banking officials and experts point to two primary drivers:
Ramadan Preparation: Families in Bangladesh face higher expenses during Ramadan, prompting expatriates to send more money home.
Increased confidence in the banking sector and a stable dollar rate have encouraged migrants to shun illegal channels in favor of official ones.
Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/regulators-move-for-digital-bank-licensing-flops-amid-protests
