Sending a message of relief in the country's economy, expatriate income or remittance flow is showing strong momentum again.
Expatriates sent $3.17 billion to the country in January this year, which is about 45% more than the same period of the previous year.
Concerned people believe that this remittance flow in January is having a positive impact on the country's foreign exchange market, reserve management and macroeconomics.
According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, the total remittance flow in the country from January 1 to 31, 2026 was $3,170 million.
In contrast, this figure was $2,185 million in January 2025. In a year, the remittance flow in January increased by about 45.1%.
The remittance flow was particularly significant towards the end of the month, as $229 million came in these three days from January 29-31, which is about $76 million on a daily average.
Bankers believe that this high flow at the end of the month is a reflection of confidence in the banking channel.
Not only on a monthly basis, but also in the current FY26 (July to January 31), there is a strong growth in remittance flows.
During this period, the total remittances received in the country amounted to $19.436 billion.
In the same period of the previous fiscal year (July 2024–January 31, 2025), this figure was $15.962 billion.
As a result, remittance growth in the first seven months of the fiscal year stood at about 21.8%. Economists say this is a significant positive trend in recent years.
Analysts believe that remittance flows are increasing for several reasons: the relatively realistic dollar rate in banking channels, the increased risk and cost of hundi, the government's continued cash incentives for remittances sent by expatriates, the stable labor market in some countries in the Middle East and Europe, and at the same time, expatriates are also interested in sending money through formal channels to reduce economic uncertainty ahead of the elections.
The increase in remittance flows is reducing pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves, providing relief to banks in paying their import liabilities, and creating an opportunity to control volatility in the exchange rate. In addition, remittances are also helping a lot in controlling inflation and managing the current account deficit.
According to economists, if this growth continues in the coming months, there is a possibility of setting a new record in remittances in FY26.
However, at the same time, attention should also be paid to expanding the expatriate labor market, sending skilled workers, and strengthening trust in the banking channel.
