Remittance inflows hit $3.33b in 28 days of March

Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have continued their strong upward trend, reaching US$3.33 billion in the first 28 days of March 2026. Expatriate Bangladeshis have been sending more money home ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

This healthy inflow has helped push the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves up to $33.99 billion. According to the IMF’s BPM6 methodology, the reserves stood at $29.29 billion as of March 29, 2026.

Data released by Bangladesh Bank shows that remittance inflows grew by 3.8 percent compared to the $3.2 billion received during the same period in March 2025.

In the current fiscal year 2025-26, remittances have been setting new records. From July 2025 to March 28, 2026, total inflows reached $25.78 billion — an impressive 18.8 percent increase from the $21.69 billion recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year (FY 2024-25).

Central bank officials credit this sustained growth to the government’s 2.5 percent cash incentive for remittances sent through formal banking channels. The incentive has significantly reduced the use of the informal “hundi” system.

The surge was especially strong in the first half of the month. In the first 14 days of March alone, expatriates sent home $2.20 billion — a sharp 35.7 percent rise compared to $1.62 billion in the same period last year.

Flows remained steady between March 16 and 23, with an additional $392 million coming in. Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) traditionally increase transfers during Ramadan to help their families meet Eid-related expenses, giving the economy a seasonal boost.

The steady rise in foreign currency earnings is providing vital support to Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves amid global economic uncertainties. As of March 16, 2026, gross reserves stood at $34.22 billion, while net reserves under the IMF BPM-6 standard were $29.52 billion.

Economists believe that if the current trend continues, total remittances for FY 2025-26 could break previous annual records. This would help stabilize the exchange rate of the Taka and ease pressure on the country’s balance of payments.