Remittance inflows to exceed $35b this fiscal year: BB governor

Remittance inflows are expected to exceed $35 billion in the current fiscal year 2025-26, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said today (30 December).

Speaking as a special guest at the 'NRB Global Convention Dhaka-2025' at a hotel in Dhaka, the governor said remittance receipts crossed $30 billion in the last fiscal year and are projected to rise further this year.

"Remittance has stabilised the country's balance of payments and helped move the current account balance from a negative to a positive position," he said, adding that remittances have continued to support the economy even during periods of economic stress.

The governor highlighted the significant contribution of Bangladeshis living abroad to the country's economic growth and development, stressing the need to strengthen engagement with the non-resident Bangladeshi (NRB) community and encourage them to work more closely for national development.

Sharing his personal experience, Mansur said he had lived 32 years in the United States and four years in Canada, describing himself as a "half-NRB". He noted that in a country like Bangladesh, the role of expatriates is immense and should not be limited to migrant workers in the Middle East or Malaysia alone.

"Bangladeshis abroad are working as doctors, engineers, IT professionals and in senior positions at major technology firms. Their skills and experience need to be effectively harnessed for the country's benefit," he said.

The governor acknowledged that returning home after long years abroad can be emotionally challenging, but said expatriates can still contribute without fully relocating by maintaining a presence both at home and overseas.

He cited examples of expatriate doctors who have used their personal savings to provide healthcare services or help establish medical centres in remote areas of the country. Many members of the NRB community, he added, belong to the 'baby boomer' generation, who have achieved success and now wish to give back to their homeland.

Referring to the vast wealth held by Bangladeshis abroad, the governor said even a small portion of that wealth invested in Bangladesh could amount to hundreds of billions of dollars. He expressed hope that NRB representatives would engage with the country on a regular basis, rather than on a one-off basis.

Outlining facilities available for expatriates, he said the government, despite limited capacity, has introduced measures such as NRB bank services, CIP facilities and special airport lounges. "The doors are always open for NRBs to invest in the country, and they now also enjoy the right to vote from abroad," he added.

Mansur said the NRB community deserves appreciation for its contribution to macroeconomic stability and called on successful expatriates to support Bangladesh in addressing unemployment, education challenges and healthcare needs of the poor.

Recalling his own return to Bangladesh in 2008 after leaving a job at the IMF, the governor said he was asked what the country would give him. "My answer was – nothing," he said, adding that returning home should be about giving, not taking. 

"If you return with expectations, you may face disappointment. True satisfaction comes from selfless contribution."

He also noted that expatriates do not need to be physically present in Bangladesh at all times to contribute, as they can invest through offshore banking units (OBUs), the stock market or government dollar bonds, which offer attractive returns.