Remittance inflows to Bangladesh surged to $3.17 billion in January 2026, marking the third-highest monthly collection in the country’s history. This significant spike is attributed to expatriates sending additional funds home ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections and the holy month of Ramadan.
According to data released by Bangladesh Bank on Sunday (February 1), the January figure is equivalent to approximately Tk 38,674 crore. This robust performance follows a strong December, which saw $3.22 billion in inflows, currently the second-highest on record.
Key Highlights of Remittance Trends
Expatriates traditionally increase their transfers during major religious and national events to support family expenses. The recent surge is also being credited to a stable exchange rate and a crackdown on illegal “hundi” channels.
| Period / Month | Remittance Amount (USD) | Significance |
| January 2026 | $3.17 Billion | 3rd Highest Monthly Total |
| December 2025 | $3.22 Billion | 2nd Highest Monthly Total |
| March 2025 | $3.29 Billion | All-time Monthly Record |
| Total FY 2025 | $32.82 Billion | Equivalent to total FX reserves |
Economic Impact and Reserve Stability
Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, noted that the consistent growth in remittances is expected to bolster the nation’s foreign exchange reserves. As of January 15, the country’s gross reserves stood at $32.62 billion, while the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) BPM6 calculation placed them at $28 billion.
The current fiscal year (2025-26) has shown remarkable growth. From July to January, total remittances reached $19.44 billion, a 21.8% increase compared to the $15.96 billion received during the same period in the previous fiscal year.
A Shift Toward Formal Channels
Financial experts suggest that the downfall of the previous administration in August 2024 led to a significant reduction in money laundering and a subsequent decline in the hundi business. With the exchange rate remaining stable for several months, more Bangladeshis living abroad are choosing legal banking channels to send their hard-earned money home.
“The combination of the upcoming Ramadan, election-related spending, and increased trust in the banking system has created a ‘vibrant’ trend in remittance inflow,” noted a senior central bank official.
