That remittance earnings have broken the $3 billion mark for the first time in a month is not just a cause for celebration, but must also be a reminder, yet again, of just how important our migrant workers continue to be for our economy.
Indeed, that expatriate Bangladeshis sent a record $3.29 billion in remittances in March 2025, which is significantly higher than the previous record of $2.638 billion that was sent in December last year, is extremely encouraging, with the onus now on any and all relevant stakeholders to ensure such increases become the norm.
This increased contribution by our migrant workers comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh that has been battling numerous challenges on multiple fronts, and our forex reserves have greatly been stabilized as a result of this increase.
Credit also goes to those who have worked to ensure our expats can use more formal channels to send their money, and the hope is to continue working to ensure even smoother financial transfers and eliminate the need for illegal channels.
Most importantly, there is a continuous need for the authorities concerned to do more for these hard-working women and men who continue to lift our economy, yet are often not given the support both home and abroad that they not only richly deserve, but have quite literally earned through their toil and sacrifices.
From training and upskilling our workers to work in higher paid occupations abroad to ensuring they face minimal harassment and hurdles in their employment journey, there can be no cutting corners when it comes to ensuring that our expat population are able to give their best.
Remittance earnings continue to be a pillar for our economy, and we must not take it for granted.