Following December, remittance inflows again surpassed the $3 billion mark in January. In the first month of 2026, Bangladesh received $3.1 billion in remittances. This marks the third time in the country’s history that monthly remittance inflows have exceeded $3 billion. Cumulatively, remittances totalled $19.43 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year.

Bangladesh’s economy has been grappling with a downturn for several years, with remittance inflows providing some relief. Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, remittance earnings have shown a sharp upward trend. As part of this momentum, a record $3.29 billion flowed into the country in March last year — the highest monthly remittance figure in Bangladesh’s history. The second-highest inflow was recorded in December, the final month of the recently concluded calendar year, when expatriates sent $3.22 billion through formal channels. January’s remittance inflow ranks third highest, posting a year-on-year growth of 45 percent. In January last year, remittances stood at $2.18 billion.

Typically, remittance inflows peak around Eid, Ramadan, or major festivals. However, despite the absence of such occasions in January, stakeholders say the surge is largely linked to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Voting in the election is scheduled for February 12.