JAKARTA - Bangladesh recorded a sharp rise in remittance inflows in January, according to figures released by Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, and cited by state and private news agencies. 

Bangladesh’s overseas workers sent home a total of US$2.71 billion in the first 26 days of January, equivalent to an average of about US$104 million per day, according to Bangladesh Bank figures. Inflows on January 26 alone stood at US$88 million.

The January figure compares with US$1.79 billion remitted during the same period last year. Cumulative remittances for the current fiscal year, from July to January 26, stand at US$18.97 billion, up nearly 22 percent year on year, based on Bangladesh Bank data. 

The increase follows a record US$3.23 billion in remittance inflows recorded in December 2025, the highest monthly total in the current fiscal year and among the largest monthly inflows on record.

Remittances remain one of Bangladesh’s main sources of foreign exchange, alongside garment exports. According to the latest data and projections from the United Nations (UN DESA) and UNCTAD, remittances as a percentage of Bangladesh's GDP in 2025 are estimated to be approximately 6.1% to 6.4%.

Most Bangladeshi migrants go to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being the top destination, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Qatar as well as several European destinations for studies. 

Last year, Bangladesh’s officials signed a new recruitment deal with Saudi Arabia to send more skilled workers as the Kingdom’s labor demand rises with major infrastructure projects.

But while Bangladesh’s rising remittances have helped the economy, core problems remain within the country, especially since its workforce rely heavily on opportunities created overseas. 

Researchers at The East Asia Forum have previously noted that most migrant workers remain low-skilled, remittance money is largely spent on consumption, and recent gains reflect policy incentives rather than stronger labour competitiveness.