Written by The Banking Post
Remittance inflows surged to $2.82 billion in the first 23 days of March, extending a strong upward trend ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and providing vital support to Bangladesh’s external sector.
Data from Bangladesh Bank show the inflow rose 7.4 per cent from $2.63 billion recorded during the same period last year.
The spike was particularly sharp in the first half of the month, with expatriates sending $2.20 billion in the first 14 days alone—up 35.7 per cent year-on-year. A further $392 million flowed in between March 16 and March 23 as non-resident Bangladeshis stepped up transfers ahead of the festival.
The strong inflow has also lifted cumulative remittances in the current fiscal year. Between July 2025 and March 23, total inflows reached $25.28 billion, marking a 19.7 per cent increase from $21.12 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Officials say the steady rise in remittances is providing crucial support to the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
As of March 16, gross reserves stood at $34.22 billion, while net reserves—calculated under the IMF’s BPM6 methodology—were estimated at $29.52 billion.
The continued inflow, driven largely by seasonal Eid transfers, is helping stabilise the forex market amid ongoing external pressures.
