Highlights
- In the first 27 days of August 2025, remittance crossed $2 billion.
- This is about 6% higher than the same time last year.
- Strong remittance flow is helping foreign currency reserves grow above $31 billion.
- Experts say the trend is supported by reduced hundi transactions and stable exchange rates.
$2 Billion Sent Home by Migrant Workers
In the first 27 days of August 2025, Bangladeshi expatriates sent over $2.08 billion (208.70 crore dollars) to the country. This amount is about 6% more compared to the same period last year, when the remittance stood at $1.97 billion. Bangladesh Bank shared this update on Thursday.
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Positive Trend Since Political Change
After the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, remittance has shown a continuous positive trend. In some months, the inflow even crossed $3 billion. Experts believe this rise is mainly because:
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Illegal money transfers through hundi have declined.
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Dollar exchange rates in banking channels have become stable.
As a result, more migrants are choosing the legal banking system to send money.
Growth in the Current Fiscal Year
The fiscal year 2025–26 began on a strong note. In July alone, remittance grew by 29%, with migrants sending $2.47 billion to Bangladesh. This growth has continued into August as well, showing that remittance is likely to remain a strong support for the economy.
Boost for Reserves and Currency Market
According to banking sector officials, the higher inflow of remittance has had several positive effects:
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It increased the foreign currency reserves.
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It reduced pressure on the dollar market.
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It helped the government pay off foreign debts in recent months.
Officials at Bangladesh Bank said that with better balance of payments and debt clearance, foreign banks are regaining confidence in Bangladesh. This has brought stability back to the foreign exchange market.
Remittance in the Previous Fiscal Year
In the last fiscal year (2024–25), Bangladesh received more than $30 billion in remittance. This was nearly $6.5 billion (27%) higher than the 2023–24 fiscal year. Experts say this upward flow of remittance is playing a crucial role in the country’s economy, helping to:
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Keep the value of the taka stable.
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Manage import costs effectively.
Reserves Cross $31 Billion Again
Due to strong remittance flow, Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves crossed $31 billion on Wednesday.
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According to Bangladesh Bank, the gross reserve reached $31.33 billion.
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Under the IMF’s BPM-6 calculation method, reserves stood at $26.31 billion.
Just a few days earlier, on August 24, reserves were $30.86 billion in gross terms, and $25.87 billion under the IMF method.
Source: Prothom Alo
