Remittance inflow hits $3.42b in May as reserves cross $30b again
In May 2025, remittances totaled $2.97 billion.
Bangladesh received $3.42 billion in remittances in May 2026, marking a strong year-on-year increase as expatriate Bangladeshis sent more money home ahead of Eid-ul-Adha and amid favourable exchange rate conditions.
The figure was disclosed today (1 June) by Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan.
Remittance inflows in May rose 15.34% from $2.97 billion in the same month a year earlier. The latest figure also exceeded the $3.13 billion received in April this year.
According to Bangladesh Bank data, remittance inflows during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year reached $32.76 billion, compared with $27.51 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
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Syed Mahbubur Rahman, managing director and chief executive officer of Mutual Trust Bank (MTB), believes the increase resulted from a combination of several factors.
"Remittance inflows have increased because of Eid. In months when Eid falls, remittance receipts are usually higher," he said.
"Besides, the dollar exchange rate through banking channels is currently in a favourable position. When the exchange rate remains stable, expatriates are more inclined to send remittances through formal banking channels. At present, the exchange rate is being determined based on market demand and supply," he added.
Mahbubur also linked part of the increase to concerns arising from tensions in the Middle East.
"Many expatriates in the Middle East sent their money home earlier because of the war in the region. They were concerned that they might face difficulties in transferring funds later, so they chose to remit their earnings in advance," he said.
"Going forward, it will be important to observe the direction of remittance flows and whether this trend can be sustained," Mahbubur further said.
Bangladesh Bank has been purchasing US dollars from commercial banks through auctions in an effort to stabilise the foreign exchange market and strengthen foreign exchange reserves. As of early February in the 2025-26 fiscal year, the central bank had bought more than $6 billion from the market.
Reserves rise above $30b again
Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have also increased, crossing the $30 billion mark once again after falling below that level following the latest payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU).
According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country's gross foreign exchange reserves now stand at $30.10 billion.
After the ACU settlement in May, reserves had dropped below $30 billion. Under the BPM6 methodology, reserves stood at $29.48 billion, down from $30.96 billion reported on 7 April.
The latest figure means the country's reserves have climbed back above the $30 billion threshold within 21 days of the ACU payment.
