United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh received US $3.17 billion in remittances in January 2026, a growth of 45.1 percent year-on-year. The expatriates sent inward remittance $2.18 billion in January of 2025, while in January 2026, the volume of remittance is $3.17 billion. It means, Bangladesh received $985 million or 45.1 percent additional remittance in January 2026. According to data released on Sunday by Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, the country received an average of $102.25 million daily during this period. The expatriates sent $19.43 billion in seven months till January of fiscal year FY 2025-26, which was 15.96 billion in the previous FY2024-25. This figure marks a significant surge compared to the same period of last year, which saw an inflow of $3.47 billion additional remittance representing an increase by 21.8 percent. The surge in January follows a record-breaking performance inward remittance in December 2025, which saw $3.23 billion, sent by the expatriates to the country. This was not only the highest monthly total for the current fiscal year but also the second-highest monthly remittance in history. Monthly remittance breakdown of FY 2025-26. December: $3.23 Billion (Highest in FY) November: $2.89 Billion October: $2.56 Billion September: $2.69 Billion August: $2.42 billion July: $2.47 billion This upward trend builds on the momentum of the previous FY 2024-25, which set an all-time record with a total of $30.32 billion in remittances. Economic analysts suggest that the continued growth in formal channel transfers is providing a much-needed boost to the country's foreign exchange reserves and overall macroeconomic stability.

Expatriates sent Tk 200 billion in remittances to the bKash accounts of their loved ones in Bangladesh in 2025. A total of 4.1 million bKash accounts received these remittances, almost double the number recorded in the previous year, according to a company handout. “With the assurance of sending money safely through formal channels, along with a convenient and instant transfer experience, bKash continues to strengthen its position as a trusted platform for both remittance senders and receivers,” the handout said. Read More: Bangladesh sees remittance surge to $2.71 billion in January Expatriates sent a record amount of remittance to Bangladesh in 2025 - equivalent to nearly USD 33 billion, which is 22 percent higher than 2024. Meanwhile, remittance sent through MFS channels saw more than 90 percent growth during the same period. The use of MFS channels like bKash for sending remittances has grown significantly due to their ease of use and instant transfer capability. Currently, expatriates can directly send remittances to their loved ones’ bKash account through 135 international MTOs from over 170 countries around the world that get settled at 27 top commercial banks in the country. Additionally, they are receiving a government incentive of Tk 25 per thousand. Read More: Remittances surpass $2bn in 18 days of Jan; another $3bn-month within sight! To make remittance tracking easier and more convenient, the bKash app now includes a “Remittance Statement” feature. This allows recipients to review their remittance history and download detailed statements whenever needed, which is also helpful for filing income tax returns. Customers can cash out their remittance from nearby agent points as well as from over 2,500 ATMs across the country. At ATMs, recipients can withdraw money at a cost of only Tk 7 per thousand. Besides, recipients of remittance can now open DPS accounts in four banks and one financial institution directly from the bKash app. They can also use their received remittance for various transactions, including utility bill payments, educational institution fees, and shopping payments.

The upward trend in inward remittances continued and 56.3 percent growth in January, with receiving over US $1.86 billion in 17 days of the month. Bangladesh received $18.12 billion in inward remittances from July to January 17, 2026, in the current fiscal year FY 2025-26. It was 14.96 billion in the same period of the previous FY2024-25, and saw a growth of 21.1 percent. Read more: Stocks surge at DSE, CSE on strong buying as week opens Blessed by strong remittances, Bangladesh’s gross forex reserves have surpassed $33 billion, up from $29 billion under the IMF’s BPM6 standard. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, said the expatriates have sent $1.86 billion in the first 17 days of January 2026, which was $1.19 million in the same period of January 2025. It means the remittance earnings grew by 56.3 percent in this time. The growth is attributed to several factors, including incentives offered for sending money through legal banking channels, increased encouragement for using the formal system, and the active role of exchange houses. In FY2025-26, Bangladesh received $2.47 billion in remittances in July, $2.42 billion in August, $2.68 billion in September, $2.56 billion in October, $2.88 billion in November, and $3.22 billion in December. Read more: NBR launches automated system easing compliance for importers This data revealed that the average inward remittance flow was over $2.42 billion in the last six months. This robust flow of remittance influences Bangladeshi policymakers to discourage lending from the IMF with tough conditions.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks to ensure that inward remittances are credited to customers’ accounts on the same day they are received, in a major move to improve service for expatriates and their families. The central bank issued a circular on Thursday (January 08, 2026), saying the directive aims to reduce delays, enhance efficiency in the payment process and improve the overall quality of customer service. According to the circular, the new instructions will take effect immediately. However, banks have been given time until March, 2026 to fully put in place the required technical infrastructure. Read more: Forex reserves hit 3-year high as December remittances cross $3bn Under the new guidelines, remittances received during banking hours must be credited on the same working day, while those received after banking hours must be credited no later than the next working day. To speed up processing, Bangladesh Bank advised banks to adopt Straight-Through Processing (STP) or other risk-based expedited methods. If essential information is available, banks are encouraged to credit the funds first and complete the remaining documentation or verification formalities later. In cases where post-credit review is not possible, banks must complete verification and settle the transaction within a maximum of three working days. To improve transparency, the central bank has also made it mandatory to use a Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference (UETR), which will allow digital tracking of remittances from receipt to final credit. In addition, Bangladesh Bank plans to strengthen digital foreign currency platforms to gradually eliminate manual paperwork, including Form C and Form C (ICT). The business community has welcomed the initiative, saying it will boost customer confidence and align Bangladesh’s remittance system with global best practices. Read more: Remittances hit $2.93 billion in 28 days of December Arif Hossain Kahan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, said the move is a positive step towards modernisation. “There are many operational challenges during the transition but the focus on digital tracking and faster settlement is essential for the future of our economy,” he said.

Bangladesh has received US $1.97 billion remittance in 21 days of April, which saw a 40 percent growth compared to the same period of the previous year. Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday revealed the information. Bangladesh typically experiences strong remittance inflows during Eid, and this time the momentum continues even after two weeks of Eid-ul-Fitr, with remittance levels remaining high. According to the central bank, the expatriates have sent $1.97 billion remittance in 21 days of April, which was $1.40 billion in April (1-21) of 2024. It means the remittance income growth by 40.7 percent in days of April 2025. Bangladesh received record-high $3.29 billion remittance in March Bangladesh received a remittance of $ 23.75 billion from July to April 21, of the current fiscal year FY2024-25, which was $18.47 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This means the expatriates sent $5.28 billion more remittance till April 21 of the current fiscal year. The remittance saw a growth of 28.6 percent year-on-year. The foreign exchange reserve of Bangladesh became steady and gross reserve reached around $ 27 billion blessing on the remittance. The expertise sent $21.77 billion remittance in the 9 months (July-March) of the current fiscal year FY2024- 25. On the other hand, remittances of $17.07 billion were received in the first 9 months of the previous FY2023- 24. *March $3.29 billion *February $2.53 billion. *January $2.19 billion *December $2.64 billion *November $2.2 billion *October $2.39 billion * September $2.4 billion *August $2.22 billion *In July $ 1.91 billion END/UNB/AI/SAM

Bangladesh received its highest ever $2.95 billion in inward remittances in 26 days of March. Bankers and sector insiders predict that for the first time, Bangladesh will reach a new height of receiving $3.0 billion remittance in a single month this March. The previous monthly record was $2.64 billion, set in December 2024. That mark was broken on March 24, when it reached $2.75 billion. According to Bangladesh Bank's latest update, the expatriates’ remittance grew by 82.4 percent year-on-year in March. Interim govt working to dismantle syndicates to ensure real ease of doing business: Lutfey In the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $21.44 billion remittance from July to March 26. In the previous fiscal year, the country received $16.69 billion remittance in the same period. “The economy has regained some relief with the increase in remittance flow ahead of this year's Ramadan and Eid. There is another festival immediately after Eid. All this is positive for the economy,” said Dr. M. Mashrur Reaz, former World Bank economist. As a result, the economy has been somewhat boosted around the festivals of Ramadan, Eid, and Pahela Baishakh, he said. Sector stakeholders said that the pace of expatriate income has increased since the new government took office. At the same time, hundi trading and money laundering have decreased. Apart from this, the dollar price of remittances is available in banks like in the open (kerb) market. For these, expatriates are showing interest in sending remittances through legal channels. Bangladesh Bank lifts ban of foreign tour for NBFIs Economists say that people's consumption demand increases around the festival. As a result, economic activity increases as huge amounts of money change hands frequently in various sectors. This increases the government's revenue. According to the Bangladesh Bank data, the expatriates sent remittance in 8 months, from July to February, as follows- *In July, $ 1.91 billion *August $2.22 billion * September $2.4 billion *October $2.39 billion *November $2.2 billion *December $2.64 billion *January $2.19 billion *February 2.53 billion. Bangladesh set to achieve record remittance inflow in March  

The city of Dhaka awakens to the spirit of Eid, as its streets come alive with the dazzling glow of shopfronts, the rhythmic chatter of eager shoppers and the festive anticipation that grips the nation. An estimated Tk 2 lakh crore in sales is projected across various sectors this time, solidifying Eid’s status as an economic juggernaut, according to Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity (BDMS). The economic pulse of Bangladesh quickens, as the nation dives into its largest retail season, fuelled by a surge of remittances and generous Eid bonuses. Shopping malls, fashion boutiques and makeshift street stalls come alive as consumers flood the markets, seeking the perfect attire, the finest jewellery, and the most delectable sweets to adorn their Eid celebrations. Traders, their faces alight with anticipation, report a spectacular 30 to 50 per cent surge in sales, painting an economic picture as dazzling as the fairy lights that adorn shop-fronts. “Eid is not just a festival; it is a grand celebration of commerce and culture,” said BDMS President Helal Uddin. “From clothes to shoes, from groceries to luxury items, every corner of the market witnesses a flourish. The sheer enthusiasm of shoppers is infectious.” On the bustling avenues of Gulistan, Baitul Mukarram, New Market, Gausia, Mouchak, and Bashundhara City, an unceasing tide of buyers’ ebbs and flows, their excited chatter merging with the rhythmic calls of vendors. Eid shopping in Faridpur starts picking up The glow of shop windows reflects in the eager eyes of families selecting their Eid ensembles. Beyond the heart of Dhaka, shopping fervour spills into Paltan, Shantinagar, Motijheel, Uttara and Mirpur, where dazzling displays lure in countless customers. While no official records quantify Eid sales, traders and economists unanimously agree that this festival eclipses all others in consumer spending. The ripples of this economic surge reach deep into both urban and rural landscapes, spinning a web of employment opportunities and financial prosperity. In the world of fashion and footwear, the numbers tell an enchanting tale. Bangladesh sells approximately 180 million pairs of shoes annually, with the local market valued at Tk 6,000 crore. A staggering 30 per cent of this is sold in the lead-up to Eid, amounting to nearly Tk 2,000 crore in footwear alone. Cosmetics and jewellery also experience a meteoric rise in demand, as brides-to-be and festive revelers secure their adornments for the season of splendour. Vice-President of the Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (Bajus) Joynal Abedin Khokon describes this time as a golden period, “Eid ushers in a tide of weddings and festivities. Our orders peak as families prepare for grand celebrations stretching until Eid-ul-Adha.” Eid shopping in Dhaka: Rising prices reshape consumer options Bangladesh Bank records over 24.25 lakh businesses engaged in economic activities, all of which experience a marked boost during Eid. Even industries beyond traditional retail flourish. The automobile sector, for instance, shifts gears into high demand. According to the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (Barvida), around 20 per cent of annual car sales take place around Eid, as Ramadan triggers a surge in bookings. Gastronomy, too, is an integral part of the Eid economy. Vermicelli (semai), an essential Eid delicacy, sees a staggering consumption of 10 million kilogrammes during this time. Beyond Bangladesh’s borders, semai finds its way to 40 countries, its delicate strands binding together cultures and celebrations. “A significant portion of our semai exports revolve around Eid,” says Debashish Singh, Head of Business at Danish Food. “Seventy per cent of our yearly exports are centred around this festival, transforming Bangladeshi semai into an international festive staple.” The demand for sugar, cooking oil and other essentials surges by 20 to 30 per cent. Taslim Shahriar, Deputy General Manager of Meghna Group of Industries, observes: “Consumer spending peaks during Eid, not just on essentials but also on entertainment and leisure.” Yet, even amid this dazzling economic spectacle, shadows of concern linger. Inflation, a silent spectre, casts its weight on household budgets. Professor Mustafizur Rahman, a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), warns, “The economic situation remains precarious. Inflation is squeezing household incomes, forcing many to prioritise essentials over extravagance.” Balancing this, M Masrur Reaz, former World Bank economist and Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, offers a glimmer of optimism. “The recent monetary policies have increased liquidity, stabilising inflation to an extent. Domestic production and imports have risen, ensuring a steady supply of goods. The economic engine remains resilient.” Dhaka’s shopping malls dazzle well ahead of Eid shopping frenzy Regardless of these nuances, the spirit of Eid shopping remains unwavering. With every exchanged note, every wrapped gift, and every shared feast, the festival breathes life into Bangladesh’s economy, ensuring that celebration and commerce continue their harmonious dance.

Bangladesh received remittances totalling $655 million in the first nine days of November, according to the latest report of the Bangladesh Bank. This amounts to an average daily inflow of around Tk 72.8 million in foreign remittances. The central bank’s report revealed that the remittance inflow for the same period in October was $739.8 million, indicating a decrease in this November’s remittance figures. In terms of distribution among banks, state-owned banks accounted for $199.75 million of the remittances. Private banks managed the highest share, facilitating $421.94 million in remittances, while specialised banks contributed $31.56 million, and foreign banks handled $1.75 million. Its further breakdown shows that between 3rd and 9th November, a total of $612.58 million was remitted to Bangladesh, while from 1st to 3rd November, expatriates sent $42.41 million. Bangladesh received $2.5386 billion in remittances in June. The inflow, however, dropped significantly in July, the first month of the current fiscal year, with remittances totalling nearly $1.91 billion – the lowest in the past 10 months. Significant rise in remittance inflow as Oct records over $2.39 bn The trend began to stabilise with the formation of an interim government, and remittances rebounded in August, reaching $2.2213 billion. In September, remittance inflows reached a fiscal year high of $2.4048 billion, followed by a slight decline in October, which saw $2.3951 billion in total remittances.  

Bangladesh witnessed its highest Letter of Credit (LC) openings in 23 months, amounting to US $6.83 billion in May 2024, amid an ongoing foreign exchange crisis, according to Bangladesh Bank. Previously, the highest LC opening was recorded in June 2022, reaching $7.02 billion. Since then, fluctuating dollar exchange rates and the domestic currency, the taka, have generally led to a decreasing trend in LC openings. In April 2024, LCs worth $5.68 billion were opened. The figures for May show a significant increase of more than 20 percent compared to April. Compared to the same period in 2023, LC openings in May rose by 19.5 percent. What to Consider Before Taking a Personal Loan from a Bangladeshi Bank Economists and market analysts attribute this trend to several factors, including tax benefits at the end of FY 2023-24 and the anticipation of the withdrawal of tax exemptions on various products in the FY 2024-25 budget. Dr. Ahsan H Mansur, Executive Director of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), explained to UNB that the increase in LC openings in May was influenced by a more lenient import policy on some items towards the fiscal year's end. Additionally, traders rushed to open LCs fearing further increases in dollar exchange rates after the central bank raised the rate by Tk 7 in a single move on May 8, 2024, he added. Trade analyst Dr. M. Mashrur Reaz noted that the increase in LC openings after a long period was also due to an improved dollar supply, thanks to remittances and foreign loan disbursements. Bangladesh needs green growth to achieve its vision of upper middle-income country by 2031: WB Despite ongoing macroeconomic instability in Bangladesh, trade volume and business transactions have increased in recent months. Government policy support on capital imports also impacted LC openings, Dr. Reaz observed. Furthermore, the announcement of new taxes on capital machinery imports in the FY 2024-25 contributed to the spike in LC openings. Capital machinery imports were tax-free until now, Dr. Reaz pointed out.

International migration remains a driver of human development and economic growth, highlighted by a more than 650 percent increase in international remittances from 2000 to 2022, rising from USD 128 billion to USD 831 billion, according to a new global report released today. The growth continued despite predictions from many analysts that remittances would decrease substantially because of COVID-19. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the World Migration Report 2024, which reveals significant shifts in global migration patterns, including a record number of displaced people and a major increase in international remittances. IOM Director General Amy Pope formally released the report in Bangladesh, which stands at the "forefront of migration" challenges, including emigration, immigration and displacement. "We hope the report inspires collaborative efforts to harness the potential of migration as a driver for human development and global prosperity," DG Pope said. By choosing Dhaka as the report's launch site, IOM not only highlights the country's efforts in supporting vulnerable migrants and fostering pathways for regular migration but also recognizes Bangladesh's important role in shaping global migration discourse and policy, IOM said. As a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration Champion country, Bangladesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing migration issues and implementing policies that safeguard migrants' rights, it said. Read more: Global actors pledge to collaborate on transformation of Bangladesh agriculture This proactive engagement aligns with IOM's strategic objectives, making Bangladesh an ideal location to launch the 2024 World Migration Report. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said as one of the GCM champion countries, Bangladesh will not only continue to act upon the pledges it has made for its domestic context but would also take up emerging issues and challenges pertaining to migration and development for informed deliberations at the international level. “The World Migration Report 2024 helps demystify the complexity of human mobility through evidence-based data and analysis,” Pope said at the launch. “In a world grappling with uncertainty, understanding migration dynamics is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy responses, and the World Migration Report advances this understanding by shedding light on longstanding trends and emerging challenges.” Of that 831 billion in remittances, 647 billion were sent by migrants to low and middle-income countries. These remittances can constitute a significant portion of those countries' GDPs, and globally, these remittances now surpass foreign direct investment in those countries. Highlighting key findings, the report reveals that while international migration continues to drive human development, challenges persist. Read more: UK Minister for Indo-Pacific arrives Tuesday on two-day visit With an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, the number of displaced individuals due to conflict, violence, disaster, and other reasons has surged to the highest levels in modern-day records, reaching 117 million, underscoring the urgency of addressing displacement crises. Migration, an intrinsic part of human history, is often overshadowed by sensationalized narratives. However, the reality is far more nuanced than what captures headlines. Most migration is regular, safe, and regionally focused, directly linked to opportunities and livelihoods. Yet, misinformation and politicization have clouded public discourse, necessitating a clear and accurate portrayal of migration dynamics. IOM’s World Migration Report, with its innovative digital tools and comprehensive analysis, aims to help dispel myths, provide critical insights, and inspire meaningful action in addressing the challenges and opportunities of human mobility. This launch is part of IOM Director General’s first three-day visit to Bangladesh. Chief of IOM Mission in Bangladesh Abdusattor Esoev, former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, senior government officials and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present at the report launching ceremony. Read more: UK Minister for Indo-Pacific in Dhaka to ‘strengthen’ economic, security, migration partnership with Bangladesh