Remittances jump $5.26b in a year as UK inflows surge; US, Canada fall

Bangladesh received $35.59 billion in remittances in the 2025-26 fiscal year, $5.26 billion more than the previous year, as inflows increased from most major source countries, while those from the United States and Canada fell sharply.

Remittance inflows rose from $30.33 billion in FY24-25 to $35.59 billion in FY25-26.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury disclosed these figures in parliament today (3 September) in reply to a written question from Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, a lawmaker from a reserved women's seat.

Moni had asked how much remittance Bangladesh received from different countries in FY24-25 and FY25-26. She also sought detailed information on how a portion of remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis was used for public welfare activities, including at educational institutions, and what activities were carried out with those funds during the two fiscal years.

In his response, the minister said Saudi Arabia remained the largest source, with remittances from the country rising to $5.84 billion from $4.26 billion.

The United Kingdom recorded the biggest increase among the major sources, with remittances jumping to $5.72 billion from $3.17 billion -- an increase of about 60% in a year.

The United Arab Emirates also saw an increase, with inflows rising from $4.17 billion to $4.584 billion. Remittances from Malaysia went up from $2.804 billion to $3.40 billion.

Remittances rise from several countries

A number of other major source countries also sent more money to Bangladesh in FY25-26.

Remittances from Oman rose from $1.66 billion to $2.48 billion, while inflows from Italy increased from $1.65 billion to $2.51 billion.

Kuwait sent $1.76 billion, up from $1.62 billion, while Qatar's remittance inflow increased from $1.20 billion to $1.55 billion.

Singapore recorded a significant rise, with remittances increasing from $989 million to $1.49 billion. Inflows from South Africa also rose, from $403 million to $669 million.

Several European countries also recorded higher remittance inflows.

Remittances from France increased from $335.59 million to $471.44 million, while those from Greece rose from $185.11 million to $203.82 million.

Jordan's inflows increased from $168.17 million to $246.36 million, while remittances from Australia rose from $197.9 million to $258.16 million.

US, Canada buck the trend

The overall rise in remittances came despite significant declines from some important source countries.

The United States recorded the biggest fall among the countries listed in the figures. Remittances from the US dropped to $3.33 billion in FY25-26 from $4.73 billion a year earlier, a decline of about 35.9%.

Canada also saw a sharp decline, with remittances dropping from $221 million to $110 million, a roughly 50% decline.

In addition, remittance inflows from the Maldives and Mauritius declined.