Remittance inflows jump 35.7% in first half of March

Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have maintained a strong upward trend, recording a 35.7 percent increase in the first 14 days of March 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank (BB).

Expatriate workers sent home $2.20 billion during the first two weeks (14 days) of March, a notable rise from the $1.62 billion received during the same period in 2025.

Between March 12 and March 14 alone, the country received $284 million in remittances ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Cumulative remittance inflows from July 2025 to March 14, 2026 reached $24.65 billion, marking a 22.6 percent increase compared to the $20.11 billion recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal year.

The rise follows several strong monthly performances, including $3.29 billion in March 2025—driven by Eid-ul-Fitr—and $3.17 billion in January 2026.

As of February, the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves stood at $34.54 billion. However, under the IMF’s BPM-6 calculation method, net reserves are currently estimated at $29.86 billion.

Economists say the steady growth in remittance inflows is supported by a stabilised exchange rate and intensified actions against illegal hundi operations following the political transition in August 2024.