Bangladesh Sees $2.75 b in Remittance Inflow in April

Bangladesh witnessed a significant rise in remittance inflows in April 2025, with expatriates sending $2.75 billion through official banking channels—a 34.6 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, when the figure stood at $2.04 billion, according to the latest data released by Bangladesh Bank on Sunday.

This sharp growth follows March’s historic inflow of $3.29 billion, the highest monthly remittance ever recorded in the country. The April figure now stands as the second-highest in Bangladesh’s remittance history, reinforcing a steady upward trend in money sent home by migrant workers in recent months.

Between July and April of the current fiscal year (FY25), Bangladesh received a total of $24.54 billion in remittances—significantly higher than the $19.12 billion received during the corresponding period of FY24. This reflects growing confidence among expatriates in using formal banking channels and a reduction in the use of informal money transfer systems like hundi.

The surge in remittance inflow began in September 2024, when the country received $2.40 billion—a record year-on-year growth of over 80 per cent. This upward momentum continued throughout the following months, supported by seasonal trends tied to religious festivals and a narrowing gap between official and open market exchange rates.

Experts say the increase in remittance is primarily driven by heightened financial support sent by migrant workers during Ramadan and ahead of Eid celebrations—periods when families typically face higher expenses. Additionally, the central bank’s measures to encourage legal remittance channels, alongside increased scrutiny of informal transfers, have contributed to this rise.

The government and financial analysts see this remittance surge as a positive sign for the economy, offering crucial support to foreign currency reserves and helping stabilise the balance of payments amid global economic uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bank officials expressed optimism that this trend would continue in the coming months, especially as more expatriates opt for secure and incentivised official banking channels over informal routes.