Dhaka: Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have surged, hitting $3.33 billion in the first 28 days of March 2026, as expatriates increase transfers ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. This increase in remittance inflows has significantly impacted the country’s foreign exchange reserves, which have reached $33.99 billion. According to the IMF standard of BPM6, the reserves stood at $29.29 billion as of March 29, 2026.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the latest data from Bangladesh Bank (BB) highlights a 3.8 percent growth compared to the $3.2 billion received during the same period in March 2025. The current fiscal year, FY 2025-26, is setting new records for the country, with cumulative remittance from July 2025 to March 28, 2026, reaching $25.78 billion. This marks an 18.8 percent increase over the $21.69 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year FY 2024-25.
Central bank officials have attributed this surge to the government’s 2.5 percent cash incentive on money sent through formal banking channels. This initiative has been successful in discouraging the use of the informal “hundi” system. The surge was particularly concentrated in the first half of the month, with expatriate workers sending home $2.20 billion in the first 14 days of March alone-a 35.7 percent increase compared to the $1.62 billion received during the same timeframe in 2025.
Industry insiders noted that the flow of remittance remained steady between March 16 and March 23, with an additional $392 million entering the country. Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) traditionally increase transfers during Ramadan to help families cover festival expenses, providing a seasonal boost to the economy.
The steady growth in foreign currency is offering crucial support to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic volatility. As of March 16, 2026, Bangladesh’s gross reserves stood at $34.22 billion, while net reserves as per IMF BPM-6 were at $29.52 billion. Economists suggest that if this trend continues, the total remittance for FY 2025-26 could surpass previous annual records, further stabilizing the exchange rate of the Taka and easing pressure on the balance of payments.